ISLAMABAD:
At least 242 people have been killed and nearly 600 injured in torrential rains, devastating floods and storms that have swept across Pakistan since the onset of monsoon season in late June, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported on Tuesday.
The majority of casualties were reported in Punjab, where 135 people have lost their lives so far, while Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recorded 56 fatalities. Other regions severely affected include Sindh with 24 deaths, and Balochistan with 16.
In Islamabad, six people, including four children, were swept away by the floods. Three fatalities were reported in Gilgit-Baltistan, and two deaths occurred in Azad Kashmir. The total toll includes 116 children, 43 women, and 83 men, according to NDMA.
The widespread rains have caused severe destruction, damaging 854 homes, with more than 200 livestock swept away. In Punjab, 168 homes were destroyed, while 230 homes in K-P were affected.
In Sindh, 87 homes were reported damaged, and in G-B, 145 homes were washed away. Balochistan reported 64 homes destroyed, Azad Kashmir 104, and Islamabad 56.
The floods also wreaked havoc on infrastructure. NDMA confirmed that 10 kilometres of roadways and nine bridges were destroyed by the storms.
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“During rescue operations, 450 individuals were safely evacuated from the affected areas,” said an NDMA spokesperson.
Over the past 24 hours, 21 more deaths and six injuries were reported, with K-P suffering the highest number of casualties. Flash flooding in the province claimed the lives of 10 people, including six children and two women.
Fatalities were also reported in Islamabad, where five people, including three children, were swept away in the floods. Two people also died in Sindh, and one in G-B.
President, PM direct swift relief efforts for flood victims
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have ordered immediate assistance and rehabilitation for flood-affected communities across the country, following severe rainfall and flooding.
In separate statements, both leaders instructed the relevant authorities to intensify relief operations in the affected areas. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life due to the rains and floods, both leaders extended condolences to the bereaved families.
The prime minister also urged the NDMA to stay in close contact with provincial governments and ensure full support is provided.
Sharif called for rapid deployment of relief measures to mitigate the suffering of affected populations. He also highlighted the need for thorough preparation in anticipation of potential further challenges in the coming days.
The prime minister additionally directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to accelerate the restoration of highways and other vital roads that have been damaged by the floods.
Authorities have already mobilised teams to clear blocked roads and provide necessary medical aid to flood victims. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens in the wake of the disaster.
