45 killed, 68 injured as monsoon rains batter Pakistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 45 people have been killed and 68 others injured across Pakistan as heavy rains and flash floods wreaked havoc in several regions since the onset of the monsoon season, a media report said on Monday.

Heavy rains lashed Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab and Sindh provinces since June 26, raising water levels in rivers to alarming levels and triggering floods in various cities across the country, Arab News reported, citing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

As per the latest NDMA situation report, 45 people have been killed and 68 injured from June 26-29 in Pakistan’s KP, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

The casualties include 23 children, 12 men and 10 women.

KP reported the highest number of casualties from rain-related incidents, 21, followed by Punjab with 13, Sindh with seven and Balochistan with four deaths. Punjab reported the highest number of injuries at 39 followed by Sindh with 16 while KP reported 11 and Balochistan two.

The report said flash floods claimed the highest number of casualties, followed by electrocution, drowning, lightning and other factors.

Flash flooding in KP’s Swat River last week claimed the lives of 12 tourists while Rescue 1122 emergency service said it was searching for one missing boy on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall on Monday in parts of Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad and several areas of KP.

Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, is considered one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and faces extreme weather events with increasing frequency.

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