From July 1 to August 17, relentless rainstorms have tragically claimed the lives of at least 195 people and left 362 others injured across Pakistan, according to a report released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday. The ongoing monsoon season has caused significant devastation, with heavy downpours leading to loss of lives, widespread damage to properties, and destruction of crops and livestock.
The NDMA’s report detailed the impact of the continued rainfall, noting that seven deaths occurred within the 24 hours leading up to Saturday, August 17, with the majority in Punjab and one in Balochistan. The total death toll has now reached 195, with a substantial number of injuries, particularly in Punjab, where 29 of the 30 recent injuries were reported.
In addition to human casualties, the rains have severely damaged infrastructure, including 2,293 houses, over 44 kilometers of roads, and 30 bridges. The NDMA has coordinated with provincial authorities, particularly in Balochistan, to reconcile the death toll and assess the full extent of the damage.
Looking ahead, the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has warned of further monsoon rains expected from August 18 to August 19, which could lead to urban flooding in several regions. The authority has urged all relevant departments to take precautionary measures to minimize the impact of the anticipated flooding.
While weather-related disasters are common during Pakistan’s monsoon season, experts highlight that climate change is exacerbating their frequency and intensity. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gases, Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as evidenced by the catastrophic flooding in 2022, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,700 people and widespread devastation.
