Various monsoon-related incidents have claimed the lives of 301 people, including 141 children, between June 26 and Aug. 4, according to a report issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
In the same span, 719 people have been injured due to house collapses, flash floods, landslides, and other impacts of torrential rains. The data states that the death toll includes 103 men and 57 women, while the injured comprise 273 men, 205 women, and 241 children.
The rains and subsequent floods have damaged 1,114 houses nationwide, with 563 reportedly destroyed. Since the launch of this year’s monsoon season, the NDMA has undertaken 223 rescue operations, saving 2,880 people. It has also distributed 13,466 relief items and established 71 medical and relief camps.
The bulk of the deaths and destruction have occurred in Punjab, which alone reported 162 deaths and 571 injuries.
More rains coming
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread heavy rains starting today (Monday) and lasting through Aug. 7 (Thursday). It has warned of flash floods and urban flooding and urged relevant authorities to take precautionary measures.
According to the Met Office, a fresh weather system would bring showers to much of the northern and central regions between Aug. 4 and 7. It said Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan would likely experience a fresh spell of cloudbursts, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may experience strong winds and thunderstorms.
Parts of Punjab and the federal capital are forecast to experience torrential downpours, while Sindh and Balochistan may receive scattered rainfall on Aug. 6.
The PMD’s long-range forecast, meanwhile, has warned that the monsoon may soon begin to move southward, with Sindh and surrounding areas potentially experiencing more rainfall around mid-August. It has noted that if the prevailing conditions persist, this year’s rainfall may stretch into late September.