BEIJING: China’s foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives caused by flash floods in various regions of Pakistan.
“We have noted the severe rainfall disasters in multiple regions, which have caused casualties and property losses. We express our deep condolences for the deceased and extend our sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured,” Mao Ning said during her regular briefing here.
She said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has also conveyed his condolences to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
“We believe the Pakistani people will surely overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes,” she added.
“At present, we are not aware of any Chinese citizens having lost their lives in the disaster. Our embassy in Pakistan is still working to verify the situation,” Mao Ning said.
Torrential monsoon rains and flash floods have devastated Pakistan, killing 657 people since late June, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Monday.
The northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been hit the hardest, with 325 deaths reported amid flash floods, landslides, and house collapses.
Pakistan, which contributes less than 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
Scientists report that rising temperatures are causing South Asia’s monsoon rains to become increasingly erratic and intense, heightening the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
