The nationwide death toll from various monsoon-related incidents, spanning June 26 through Aug. 15, on Friday climbed to 325, with 743 injuries, according to the latest situation report of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Over the past 24 hours, flash floods and landslides swept through Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, causing the deaths of 12 people and injuring three others. Landslides triggered by the heavy rains reportedly buried several houses, and also damaged agricultural lands and roads of the area.
In Kohistan, the flooding damaged a bridge on the Karakoram Highway, disrupting traffic between Gilgit-Baltistan and the rest of the country. The torrential downpour also led to a significant boost in the water flow at Jhelum Valley, Samahni, Hattian Bala and Neelum Valley, prompting emergency measures, including the evacuation of residents living along riverbanks.
In AJK, the government announced the closure of public and private schools on Aug. 15-16 amidst forecasts of more rain and the persistent risk of landslides. KP’s Bajaur, currently in the midst of a military operation to oust militants of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, is also facing flash floods and landslides, causing further difficulties for local residents.
In its situation report, the NDMA said 123 men, 60 women and 142 children had perished in various monsoon-related incidents nationwide this year. The majority of the deaths (164) have occurred in Punjab, followed by 72 in KP, 28 in Sindh, 20 in Balochistan, 24 in GB, 9 in AJK and 8 in Islamabad.
The downpours have also partially or fully damaged 1,782 houses and swept away 434 livestock. Thus far, authorities have conducted 229 rescue operations, saving 4,714 people.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the fresh spell of monsoon rains is anticipated to persist in Islamabad, AJK, upper Punjab, KP and GB from Aug. 14-17.