LAHORE:
Despite official claims of preparedness, Punjab has emerged as the hardest-hit province in this year’s monsoon season, recording the highest number of fatalities and injuries in rain-related incidents, according to a new report issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Since the onset of the monsoon season, a total of 266 people have died and 628 have been injured nationwide. The deceased include 94 men, 46 women, and 126 children. The latest report, released on Thursday, stated that eight people died and six were injured across the country in the past 24 hours alone due to weather-related incidents.
Among the latest casualties, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) reported three deaths and five injuries, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) each recorded two fatalities, while one death occurred in Sindh.
Punjab has borne the brunt of the damage, with 144 deaths and 488 injuries reported. K-P followed with 63 fatalities and 79 injuries. Sindh recorded 25 deaths and 40 injuries, while Balochistan reported 16 fatalities and four injuries. Islamabad saw eight deaths, G-B seven, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir two.
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In addition to human losses, property and livestock damage has also been significant. Over the past 24 hours, 84 houses were damaged, and 38 livestock perished. Since the beginning of the monsoon, 1,089 homes have been damaged or demolished, and 366 animals have died in floodwaters.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of potential flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Dera Ghazi Khan and the possibility of urban flooding in low-lying areas of northeastern and eastern Punjab. The warning is in effect for Thursday evening and night.
A seasonal low lies over northeastern Balochistan, with moist currents from the Arabian Sea penetrating the upper parts of the country. A westerly wave is also affecting these regions.
Rain, wind, and thundershowers are expected at isolated locations in Kashmir, K-P, upper and central Punjab, G-B, and northeastern Balochistan. Isolated heavy downpours are likely in upper K-P, central Punjab, and northeastern Balochistan. Hot and humid conditions will persist elsewhere.
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On Friday, hot and humid weather will prevail in most areas. However, isolated rain, wind, and thundershowers are expected in G-B, upper K-P, northeastern Punjab, and Kashmir.
Significant rainfall over the past 24 hours was recorded in several parts of Punjab, with Sargodha and Sheikhupura receiving 69mm, Noor Pur Thal and Hafizabad 59mm, and Mandi Bahauddin 51mm. Lahore also experienced varying rainfall intensities, ranging from 2mm in Mughalpura to 43mm in Iqbal Town.
In Balochistan, Barkhan recorded 29mm of rain. In K-P, Cherat saw 9mm, while Gilgit in G-B recorded 9mm as well. The highest maximum temperatures recorded on Thursday were 44°C in Nokundi, 43°C in Dadu, and 41°C in Sibbi, Rohri, and Panjgur. Officials continue to urge residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions and stay updated on weather advisories.
