The ongoing monsoon season, which began on June 25, has resulted in a tragic toll of 101 fatalities and 180 injuries across Pakistan.
The country’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported the loss and devastation in Pakistan. The east Punjab province bore the brunt of the heavy rains, with 57 reported deaths and 118 injuries. Additionally, the province witnessed the destruction of 53 houses amid the torrential downpours, including the provincial capital, Lahore.
In Lahore, the rains were of unprecedented intensity, earning the label of “record-breaking” from the caretaker Punjab Chief Minister, Mohsin Naqvi. The city faced urban flooding, causing several areas to be submerged and disrupting road traffic for extended periods. The city of Rawalpindi also experienced heavy rainfall for over 12 hours, leading to alarming water levels in streams and drainages. In response, the local municipal authority sought the assistance of the army to manage potential untoward situations.
A heart-wrenching incident occurred in Rawalpindi when an under-construction bridge collapsed on laborers residing in makeshift tents, claiming the lives of 12 people due to the heavy rain in the city. Rainfall gauging stations reported up to 200 mm of rain in various areas, leading to urban flooding and roof collapses.
Moving to the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 25 people lost their lives, and 41 others suffered injuries in rain-related accidents. The torrential rains also inflicted damage on 60 houses and resulted in the death of 43 livestock.
In the south Sindh province, ten individuals lost their lives, and two others were injured when lightning struck a house during a thunderstorm earlier in June. In the southwest Balochistan province, six people were killed, and 13 others were injured. Furthermore, three fatalities were reported in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with five people injured due to heavy rains. Additionally, in the north Gilgit Baltistan region, one man sustained injuries, seven houses were destroyed, and 15 livestock perished in heavy rains.
The monsoon season has brought significant devastation and loss of life to various regions of Pakistan, prompting authorities to respond promptly to alleviate the impact of these natural disasters.