Key Points
- Rains to intensify from July 13
- Flash flood is expected in local streams and rivers
- People are advised to stay updated through official weather alerts
- All concerned authorities are on high alert
ISLAMABAD: Torrential monsoon rains and flash floods have killed at least 90 people and injured 157 others across Pakistan since 26 June, according to official data, as the country’s Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday forecast more widespread rainfall from July 13.
According to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) three deaths and eight injuries were reported in the past 24 hours alone.
Punjab recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 32 people – including 18 children – losing their lives. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the second-highest toll, with 30 deaths.
Punjab also reported the most injuries, with 83 individuals hurt, followed by Sindh with 34 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 32.
Rains to intensify from July 13
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday warned that moist currents are penetrating the country and are likely to intensify from July 13. It said that a fresh westerly wave is expected to approach the country next week.
It stated that, under the influence of these meteorological conditions, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to experience rain accompanied by windstorms or thunderstorms, with some areas facing heavy rainfall and hailstorms.
According to the advisory, rain, wind, and thundershower are expected in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with scattered heavy falls from 11th to 17th July, with occasional gaps.
While Punjab province and Islamabad are likely to receive rain, wind, and thunderstorms with scattered heavy falls from 11th to 17th July.
It said that rain, wind, and thundershower with scattered heavy falls are expected in the Northeastern and Southern parts of Balochistan.
While moderate rain, wind, and thundershower are expected in some parts of Sindh province from 15th to 17th July.
The advisory warned that heavy rains may cause flash floods in local streams of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and parts of Balochistan from 14th to 17th July.
It said that landslides may cause road closures in the vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern parts of Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan from 14th to 17th July.
It advised farmers to manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast.
While public, travellers, and tourists are advised to avoid unusual exposure in vulnerable areas to avoid any untoward situation, and keep updated about any changes in weather conditions.
All concerned authorities are advised to remain “ALERT” and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation.
Climate change effects
Pakistan is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, and its 255 million residents are facing extreme weather events with increasing frequency.
The country is facing increasingly frequent and intense weather events such as heat waves, droughts, and torrential rains.
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Pakistan contributes less than 1 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, which is insignificant when compared to developed nations.
In 2022, a combination of heavy monsoon rains and glacial melt caused catastrophic floods that killed more than 1,700 people and caused damage estimated at over $33 billion.
