Pakistan: 76 people killed in flash floods during monsoon season
Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, July 7, AZERTAC
In Pakistan, at least 76 people have lost their lives and dozens have been injured in separate incidents caused by flash floods and heavy rains during the current monsoon season.
As monsoon activity is expected to intensify across the country, the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued an alert for heavy rains and potential flooding until July 10.
So far 76 deaths have been reported from June 26 to July 6 due to floods and rain related incidents across Pakistan. The highest numbers of deaths were recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where 28 people lost their lives.
As per the reports, hundreds of houses were damaged and swept away in the monsoon spell. During the last 10 days, twenty two deaths were reported in Punjab province, fifteen in Sindh, seven in Balochistan, and four in Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Those who lost their lives during this period died in separate incidents of flash floods, lightning, drowning and house collapse. It included six rain-related deaths in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the upcoming monsoon spell could lead to urban flooding, landslides, and traffic disruptions in many areas.
The National Emergency Operation Centre in its alert has highlighted potential River and stream overflows across the country. According to NDMA, the weather system is being fueled by enhanced moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, coupled with a prevailing westerly wave.
Significant rainfall accumulation is expected in the catchment areas of major rivers, particularly in North-Eastern and Central Punjab, Lower Sindh, Southern and North-Eastern Balochistan, Central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and parts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
As a result of this system, increased water flows are anticipated in major rivers. Currently, many rivers are at low flood levels but may rise further. NDMA has advised residents living near flood-prone rivers and streams to remain vigilant for sudden rises in water levels, particularly during night hours and intense rainfall.
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