Devastating Monsoon Rains in Pakistan Claim 86 Lives Since June 25th!
by Omama Anwar
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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported a tragic loss of life and property due to ongoing monsoon rains in Pakistan since June 25th. As of today, at least 86 people have lost their lives, with an additional six fatalities and nine injuries recorded in the past 24 hours alone.
The NDMA highlights that Punjab has been the most severely affected province, with 52 casualties, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 20 deaths. Balochistan, Sindh, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir have reported six, five, and three fatalities, respectively.
Among those who have perished, 37 are children, while 33 men and 16 women have also tragically lost their lives in various incidents.
The devastation caused by the recent rains has resulted in 151 injuries, including 56 men, 43 women, and 52 children, as recorded by the NDMA. Furthermore, the authority has documented damage to 97 houses due to monsoon rains and floods.
The NDMA's forecast highlights the looming risk of medium to high-level flooding at Jassar in River Ravi, with moderate flood risk in River Chenab.
Imran Qureshi, the Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab, has directed the disaster response team of Rescue 1122 to remain on high alert.
پی ڈی ایم اے پنجاب دریائے چناب، راوی، ستلج اور منسلک نالوں کے گرد نشیبی علاقوں کے مکینوں کو بروقت اطلاع دیتے ہوئے انخلاء کو یقینی بنائے. ریسکیو سروسز افواج پاک،این جی اوز خطرے سے دوچار علاقوں میں ہنگامی صورتحال میں فوری ردعمل کو یقینی بنانے کیلئے انتظامات مکمل رکھیں. pic.twitter.com/ArUYegYdIp
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) July 10, 2023
He emphasized the importance of maintaining ample petrol and diesel supplies for rescue operations, ensuring an abundant stock of medicines at all medical camps.
He said: “We have to stress the need to arrange appropriate shelter and food for animals affected by the floods, and citizens should know about potential flood situations in low-lying areas.”
Additionally, the PDMA has issued a high alert regarding the water release by India in River Sutlej, noting that India has released 95,027 cusecs of water from Harike to Sutlej River.
To proactively address the situation, deputy commissioners of Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari are to make necessary arrangements, while the emergency control room staff has been ordered to remain vigilant at all times.
