The country’s disaster management authority reported on Sunday that several more people lost their lives in rain and flood-related incidents as heavy monsoon rains continue to batter parts of Pakistan. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the total number of fatalities since late June has continued to rise amid ongoing weather-related emergencies. The torrential downpours triggered flooding and structural collapses, with most deaths resulting from the roofs of poorly built homes giving way. Most of the recent casualties were reported in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Among the victims were children and women, as per the NDMA handout. Punjab has been the worst affected, followed by KP, Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, and Azad Kashmir. A significant number of children have died since the start of this deadly spell. The NDMA said most of the deaths were caused by collapsed homes, sudden floods, lightning strikes, drowning, and landslides. Many families living in vulnerable structures had little chance once the rains hit. The statement adds that hundreds of homes have been destroyed since the rains began, while a large number of livestock have reportedly drowned in the floodwaters. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, but with more rainfall forecast in the coming days, disaster management authorities have strongly advised citizens to take precautions, especially those in flood-prone or low-lying areas. Monsoon rains are a routine part of South Asia’s climate and are essential for crop irrigation and replenishing water supplies. However, their adverse impact has worsened in recent years due to rapid urban expansion, poor drainage systems, and more frequent extreme weather events linked to climate change
Monsoon havoc claims more lives, pushing death toll higher
