Pakistan
Heavy rains claim 15 lives in 24 Hours, NDMA Issues flood warning
Climate change has exacerbated the intensity of monsoon rains in Pakistan and region
By Samiullah Randhawa
Islamabad: Heavy rains have claimed the lives of 15 more people across Pakistan in the last 24 hours, with the threat of further intensification during the month.
Amidst the ongoing monsoon spell, exacerbated by climate change, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning of flash flooding in DG Khan, Kalat, Hyderabad, and other parts of the country.
The NDMA stated in its alert that the prevailing weather conditions could lead to flash flooding within the next 48 hours.
This monsoon spell, the sixth consecutive one this season, has brought heavy downpours across various districts, posing threats similar to those experienced during the 2022 floods.
Last month, the NDMA reported that over 90 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, with Punjab recording the highest death toll of 30.
As the monsoon season progresses, the NDMA continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in affected areas to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. Authority has put all the PDMAs and quarters concerned on high alert amid the forecast period.
In the last 24 hours, heavy rains have caused severe flooding in various parts of the country, leading to widespread destruction of crops and submerging hundreds of houses. In Mianwali, torrential rains led to severe flooding, causing extensive damage to crops.
Floods from the Zangi and Suri drains in district Rojhan, originating from the Koh Suleiman range in South Punjab, inundated nearby settlements and submerged over 100 houses, forcing residents to relocate to safer areas.
This is pertinent to mention here that mountainous range of Koh-e-Suleman, which experienced heavy rainfall in 2022, caused hill torrents in South Punjab and Balochistan, leading to widespread devastation in the region.
Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday, again has issued high alert as heavy rains at Koh-e-Suleman may cause hill torrents, leading to heavy flash floods in DG Khan and Rojhan districts.
Heavy rainfall also caused the Indus River to swell near Kundian, resulting in a moderate flood at Chashma Barrage.
In Sindh, multiple incidents of roof collapses were reported in Jamshoro, Khairpur Nathan, and Osta Muhammad. At least two people, including a woman, lost their lives in these incidents.
In Naushahro Feroze, a roof collapse resulted in the death of a child and injured five others. Two people died in Jacobabad when their house's roof caved in.
Continuous rain in Dadu has caused streams and rivers to overflow, cutting off hundreds of villages in Kachho from Dadu and Johi cities.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district, two children died and three others, including a woman, were injured when a room's roof collapsed.
Additionally, four people, including two children, drowned in seasonal streams in Karak. Three bodies have been recovered.
In Babul Khel, a grandfather and grandson drowned while crossing a flooded stream, and the body of 26-year-old Shehzad was retrieved from the Loghar Algada stream.
In Tank, a roof collapse caused by rain resulted in the deaths of three women and a child, while two others were injured.
The NDMA continues to issue warnings and monitor the situation as the monsoon season persists, urging people to stay safe and take necessary precautions.