Pakistan's torrential rains claim 195 lives, cause extensive damage

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan has reported a tragic toll from the ongoing torrential rains, with at least 195 fatalities and 362 injuries recorded between July 1 and August 17.

The devastating monsoon rains have severely affected various regions across the country, with the latest update indicating further loss and damage, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to the NDMA's report released on August 18, seven additional deaths occurred in the 24 hours leading up to August 17. These fatalities include six in Punjab and one in Balochistan. The total number of fatalities now stands at 195. During the same period, 30 more individuals were injured, with Punjab experiencing the highest number of injuries, totalling 29.

The torrential rains have wreaked havoc, leading to the destruction of 2,293 properties—734 of which are completely destroyed and 1,559 partially damaged. The flooding has also impacted over 44 kilometres of roads and 30 bridges nationwide.

The NDMA has coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Balochistan, which has also faced severe weather impacts. Flash floods have caused further damage in low-lying areas, with 22 houses reported as damaged in a single day.

Looking ahead, the NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has forecasted that heavy rains will continue to affect various parts of Pakistan from the evening of August 18 through August 19. This weather is expected to lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas, including Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar.

In response, the NDMA has urged all relevant departments to implement precautionary measures to manage the anticipated flooding and mitigate the effects of the extreme weather conditions.