22 Dead as Torrential Rains and Floods Devastate Pakistan

At least 22 people have died and many more have been injured over the past 24 hours as torrential rains wreaked havoc across Pakistan. The heavy downpours have caused widespread destruction, affecting life, property, and infrastructure in various parts of the country.

Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) reported the highest number of casualties. In KP, nine people lost their lives in separate incidents, including four who drowned in Karak city. Many others, including women and children, were injured when a house’s roof collapsed in North Waziristan.

Balochistan was the worst-hit province, with rains and floods claiming 12 lives in a single day. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that cloudbursts, lightning strikes, and subsequent floods injured at least 32 people and damaged 263 houses, with 91 of them completely destroyed. Floodwaters also inundated roads and low-lying areas in cities like Chaman and Sibi.

In Sindh, rainwater entered houses and shops in low-lying areas, particularly in Mirpur Khas and Dadu. High-level flooding was reported in Gaj and Sol rivers, causing significant damage to infrastructure, including cracks on newly constructed bridges.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of continued high to very high levels of flash flooding in Balochistan and southwestern Punjab in the coming days. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts that the monsoon system will persist until August 6, with heavy rains and strong winds expected in several regions.

The monsoon season, which brings 70 to 80% of South Asia’s annual rainfall, has already resulted in significant loss of life and property in Pakistan. Authorities have urged all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the extreme weather.