Monsoon fury in Pakistan: 72 dead, over 130 injured in flash floods; authorities issue high alert
At least 72 people have been killed and over 130 injured in Pakistan as relentless monsoon rains and flash floods battered the country over the past ten days, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday.
Since June 26, casualties have been reported across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan provinces. The NDMA has urged local administrations to remain on high alert and advised tourists to steer clear of vulnerable areas, warning that continued rainfall could lead to further flooding and road blockages.
Emergency services were already on heightened alert after a tragic incident last month in which 17 members of the same family were swept away by the Swat River.
Thirteen bodies were recovered, including eight children, while four people were rescued. Footage of the family stranded on a rooftop and pleading for help sparked public outrage and criticism of the delayed rescue response.
Many of the recent deaths were caused by collapsing walls and roofs, as well as sudden floods in low-lying areas.
Officials are concerned that worsening weather conditions could mirror the devastating 2022 floods, which killed over 1,700 people and submerged nearly a third of the country.
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The NDMA has said it cannot rule out the possibility of similar large-scale disasters this year.
With a population of more than 240 million, Pakistan remains one of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. Scientists warn that climate change is driving a rise in both the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, putting millions at risk.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have called on the public to remain cautious as the monsoon season continues to intensify.
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