Pakistan is reeling from the devastating impact of monsoon rains that have swept through the country, causing widespread flooding and landslides. The death toll from rain-related incidents has risen to 209 since July 1, with 14 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours alone. Most of the other deaths have occurred in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. The heavy rainfall has been attributed to climate change, which has led to heavier downpours in recent years. In 2022, climate-induced floods inundated one-third of the country, resulting in 1,739 deaths and £23.1 billion worth of damage.
The latest spell of heavy rains has resulted in flash floods that have swept through streets in southern Pakistan, blocking a key highway in the north. Efforts are underway to clear the Karakorum highway of landslides and damaged bridges, which have disrupted traffic. The government has advised tourists to avoid affected areas. As a result of the flooding, more than 2,200 homes have been damaged across Pakistan since July 1, the National Disaster Management Authority has reported.
Pakistan Bravely Faces the Fury of Monsoon Rains (Image via Getty)
The monsoon rains in Pakistan are part of the country’s annual monsoon season, which runs from July to September. Weather forecasters have warned that the heavy rainfall is expected to continue this week in parts of the country. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a statement saying that the latest spell of heavy rains will affect different parts of the country.
The situation in Pakistan is not unique, as neighboring Afghanistan has also been hit by flooding and flood-related damage since May. More than 80 people have died in Afghanistan, with three fatalities reported on Sunday when a vehicle was washed away by floods in the Ghazni province. The heavy rainfall and flooding have left many people displaced, with thousands of homes damaged or destroyed.
