ISLAMABAD (AP) – Heavy monsoon rains have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 54 people in eastern Pakistan within just 24 hours, contributing to a grim total of 178 rain-related fatalities across the country over the past three weeks, according to officials on Thursday.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department revealed that rainfall this month has increased by 82% compared to the same period in July 2024, leading to devastating flash floods and the inundation of multiple villages. As of June 26, the nation has recorded 178 deaths in provinces including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the northwest, Sindh in the south, and Balochistan in the southwest.
Of the recent 54 deaths, the majority occurred in Punjab province, which experienced an unprecedented 124% rise in rainfall between July 1 and July 15 compared to the same timeframe last year. Forecasters have warned that heavy downpours persistently impacted numerous urban areas, notably flooding the streets of Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Severe weather in the Jhelum district of Punjab triggered sudden flash floods, which compelled local authorities to deploy boats for evacuating dozens of stranded residents. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a flood alert on Thursday, while urging local officials to stay vigilant. Residents are being advised against traveling to affected areas due to the heightened risk of landslides and blocked highways.
Television news outlets broadcast footage of an army helicopter rescuing three family members stranded on the roof of their home, surrounded by flash floodwaters on the outskirts of Rawalpindi city. Expectations for continued rainfall are noted for Islamabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and further regions of the country.
Authorities have expressed grave concerns about the potential recurrence of extreme weather similar to the catastrophic 2022 floods, which left a third of the country submerged and claimed the lives of 1,737 people. The rising toll from current weather conditions has underscored the urgency for action and preparedness amidst this ongoing crisis.
