Heavy rains lashed across Pakistan since Thursday, killing at least 35 while and 50 injured, with hundreds of houses collapsed and landslides obstructed roads particularly in the northwest, according to authorities.
Reports indicate that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan, has witnessed the highest toll, with at least 27 deaths, predominantly children, attributed to rain-related incidents since Thursday night. The provincial disaster management authority disclosed that torrential rains affected ten districts, including Bajaur, Swat, Lower Dir, Malakand, Khyber, Peshawar, North and South Waziristan, and Lakki Marwat, resulting in 37 injuries.
Also Read: No sign of abating: Political instability deepens Pakistan’s spiral
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur assured affected individuals of compensation for their losses, emphasizing the government’s commitment to support them during this critical period.
Meanwhile, southwestern Balochistan province witnessed five fatalities as floods inundated the coastal town of Gwadar, necessitating evacuation efforts via boats. Heavy rainfall over the past two days disrupted normal life in Gwadar, rendering hundreds homeless and causing extensive damage to human settlements and commercial establishments.
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir also reported casualties and damage, with five individuals losing their lives. Emergency relief efforts, including the deployment of heavy machinery to clear blocked highways, were initiated by the National Disaster Management Authority.
Furthermore, landslides triggered by rain and snow have obstructed the Karakoram Highway, connecting Pakistan with China, with some areas still impassable. Unusually heavy snowfall for this time of year has compounded the situation.
Authorities have cautioned against tourist travel to the scenic north due to adverse weather conditions, recalling previous incidents where visitors were stranded due to heavy rains.
This year’s delayed onset of winter rains, beginning in February instead of November, has exacerbated the situation, compounded by monsoon and winter rains. The devastating impact of climate-induced disasters, such as monsoon rains and flooding, was witnessed in 2022, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement, and economic damage, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation measures.
Read all the World News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Business News and Opinion here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
