
Pakistan: Dozens killed in Punjab flooding – DW – 07/18/2025
Dozens of people have been killed in flooding in Punjab in eastern Pakistan over the past two days with the country experiencing around twice the amount of rainfall compared to July last year.
At least 54 people had been killed in a period of 24 hours on Thursday – a figure which, according to local media, had increased to least 63 by Friday.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Pakistan as a whole has experienced 82% more rainfall so far this month compared to the same period in 2024, a percentage which increases to 124% for the eastern Punjab region.
Almost 200 deaths have been reported nationwide since June 26.
On Thursday, authorities imposed a so-called section 144 warning which bans bathing, swimming or boating in rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, reservoirs or any other open spaces where rainwater may have accumulated.
Television news footage showed an army helicopter plucking three members of a family from the roof of their house after they were stranded by a flash flood on the outskirts of Rawalpindi, which neighbors the capital city of Islamabad on the Sawan river.
Tourists were advised to avoid travel to affected areas where rains could trigger landslides and block highways.
On Friday, the PDMA reported "medium-level" flooding in the town of Kalabagh on the Indus river and "low-level" flooding in four other locations.
"The flow of water in rivers is increasing due to monsoon rains and glacial melting," said a PDMA spokesperson in a statement.
Pakistan's second-largest city, Lahore, received "light to moderate" rain on Friday, according to the local Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).
Meanwhile, Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecasted several more spells of heavy rain in the coming weeks, starting with a seven-day period next week and continuing with further spells into late August.
In 2022, extreme rain and flooding inundated a third of the country, killing over 1,700 people. Authorities have warned they cannot rule out a repeat.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


DW
3 days ago
- DW
How Germany manages extreme heat and climate change – DW – 07/20/2025
The next heat wave has been forecast in Germany. How is a country known for its lack of air conditioning preparing? This summer has seen some hot days in Germany. Very hot. In early July, temperatures in Hamburg and Cologne soared to 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 F). Some areas recorded temperatures close to 40 C. In earlier years, such temperatures were not typically recorded until early August — a development that experts attribute to climate change. On radio, television and social media, people were urged to stay at home, especially during the middle of the day. During that heat wave, DW asked people on the streets of Berlin how they prepared. A young woman showed the small fan she had with her, saying: "In the end I have this thing here." Another woman said: "I try to cool off. I drink a lot but still try to enjoy the sun." A man said: "I have my hat, drink a lot of water and walk in the shade." In 2025 so far, temperatures have been extremely high for only short stretches, not over long periods. What can authorities do to better protect people from extreme heat? DW asked spokespeople from federal ministries in Berlin whether the government is planning any new measures following the first heat wave in early July. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video "It is up to state-level and local authorities to take action," Health Ministry spokesperson Sabine Grüneberg said. "We are responsible for informing people." She referred residents to the website which contains comprehensive information, including advice specific for elderly people and people with illnesses. The website started in 2023, though other countries such as France have had similar services for much longer. The Interior Ministry said the army was always prepared to help — especially with forest fires. Soldiers were involved in the aerial effort to fight massive wildfires in Saxony and Brandenburg, with water dumped from helicopters. There, firefighters, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief and local residents were able to avoid the worst on July 1. The Ghorischheide area of northern Saxony was especially affected. An area of about 2,100 hectares burned for days and some homes had to be evacuated as a precaution. The federal government's NINA app also provides warnings of such fires. It has been used by 12 million people since it was developed 10 years ago. It contains current information and warnings about floods and weather conditions, including heat waves. Recently, it has added warnings from the police. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video In hospitals, elder care facilities and homeless shelters, workers are even busier than usual on hot days, ensuring that people have enough water and, above all, protection from the sun. "Such a heat wave should not be underestimated," Peter Bobbert, the president of the Berlin Medical Association President, told DW. "We all need to actively protect ourselves: avoid hot places in the city, drink enough — and above all care for people who are not able to protect themselves." High temperatures do not only reduce people's concentration and performance. Doctors such as Bobbert continually warn: Heat can lead to heart and circulatory failure — which can be deadly for people who are ill or elderly. According to the German consumer comparison website Verivox, in 2023 there was air conditioning in 13% of German homes. Last year, the rate was 19 percent. Currently, demand is lower again, which experts attribute to Germany's high electricity prices. Air conditioning is, however, still lacking in hospitals, care facilities and schools. It is very difficult for road construction workers to avoid the heat — as seen in the big heat wave of early July in Munich. One worker described how he and his colleagues normally lay about 100 meters (328 feet) of new road surface per day. During the heatwave, that reduced by half. "We drink enough," civil engineer Charikleia Kagiaoglo said. "We take a lot of breaks and make ourselves as comfortable as we can on the building site." To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The welfare of workers has been highlighted by the Gesunde Erde — Gesunde Menschen (Healthy Planet-Healthy People) foundation, which was started five years ago by the German physician, author and television quizmaster Eckart von Hirschhausen. Its managing director Kerstin Blum said: "People who cannot avoid the heat and UV exposure or need to wear heavy work or protective gear, such as on building sites, in farming or roadside assistance, are especially vulnerable." Blum said: "People in cities, especially in socially disadvantaged areas, which often have less green space, are especially affected and often have fewer possibilities to escape the heat-" Blum has a clear call to politicians: "We need effective climate protection. Otherwise, summer will turn from a wonderful season to a very dangerous season for very many people." According to Germany's public health body, the Berlin-based Robert Koch Institute, about 6,000 people died from extreme heat in Germany in 2023 and 2024. To provide context, about 5600 people were killed in traffic incidents during that same period. Insurance company Allianz calculated a 4.9% increase in health care costs across the European Union during heat waves so far in 2025. For Germany, that is a cost of about €25 billion ($29.4 billion).While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.


DW
5 days ago
- DW
Pakistan: Dozens killed in Punjab flooding – DW – 07/18/2025
Over 50 people have been killed in flash flooding following heavy rainfall in eastern Pakistan. Authorities have put official warnings in place while forecasters predict more rain to come. Dozens of people have been killed in flooding in Punjab in eastern Pakistan over the past two days with the country experiencing around twice the amount of rainfall compared to July last year. At least 54 people had been killed in a period of 24 hours on Thursday – a figure which, according to local media, had increased to least 63 by Friday. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Pakistan as a whole has experienced 82% more rainfall so far this month compared to the same period in 2024, a percentage which increases to 124% for the eastern Punjab region. Almost 200 deaths have been reported nationwide since June 26. On Thursday, authorities imposed a so-called section 144 warning which bans bathing, swimming or boating in rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, reservoirs or any other open spaces where rainwater may have accumulated. Television news footage showed an army helicopter plucking three members of a family from the roof of their house after they were stranded by a flash flood on the outskirts of Rawalpindi, which neighbors the capital city of Islamabad on the Sawan river. Tourists were advised to avoid travel to affected areas where rains could trigger landslides and block highways. On Friday, the PDMA reported "medium-level" flooding in the town of Kalabagh on the Indus river and "low-level" flooding in four other locations. "The flow of water in rivers is increasing due to monsoon rains and glacial melting," said a PDMA spokesperson in a statement. Pakistan's second-largest city, Lahore, received "light to moderate" rain on Friday, according to the local Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). Meanwhile, Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecasted several more spells of heavy rain in the coming weeks, starting with a seven-day period next week and continuing with further spells into late August. In 2022, extreme rain and flooding inundated a third of the country, killing over 1,700 people. Authorities have warned they cannot rule out a repeat.


DW
7 days ago
- DW
Earthquake strikes off Alaska prompting tsunami advisory – DW – 07/17/2025
A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska, according to the US Geological Survey. The authorities initially issued a tsunami warning but later downgraded it to an advisory, and then withdrew it entirely. A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said. The earthquake took place at approximately 12:37pm local time (2037 GMT) with the epicenter situated some 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of the island town of Sand Point, with a depth of 20.1 kilometers, the USGS said. Authorities initially issued a tsunami warning, later downgraded it to an advisory, and eventually withdrew the advisory. "The Tsunami Advisory is canceled for the coastal areas of South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula," said the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) said two hours after the earthquake. According to the USGS, the initial earthquake was followed by over a dozen aftershocks, the strongest of which measured 5.2 in magnitude. A small tsunami, reaching a maximum height of 0.2 feet (6.1 centimeters), was recorded at Sand Point. The NTWC had earlier issued an advisory for "South Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, Pacific coasts from Kennedy Entrance, Alaska (40 miles southwest of Homer) to Unimak Pass, Alaska (80 miles northeast of Unalaska)." People in the area were advised to move away from bodies of water, including beaches, harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays, and inlets. "Do not re-occupy hazard zones until local emergency officials indicate it is safe to do so," the NTWC said. In July 2023, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit off the Alaska Peninsula, which is part of the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire. No major damage was reported following the tremor. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video