ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan’s monsoon death toll has surpassed 240 as fresh cloudbursts battered parts of the country on Tuesday leading to landslides and flash flooding.
The losses were particularly significant in the mountainous regions of the country, said the country’s disaster response agency.
Over past 24 hours, 21 more deaths were reported from across the country.
Death of at least five tourists including two men and three children in flash floods unleashed by heavy rainfall in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Babusar area in Diamer district on Monday were the latest monsoon-related casualties.
Four tourists were also injured in the incident while more than 12 others are still missing even after two days of search.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), so far 592 people have suffered injuries in heavy downpour-related incidents this monsoon season.
Among them were 77 men, 40 women, and 104 children. Punjab remains the worst-hit province, with 135 deaths and 470 injuries reported so far.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, 40 people have lost their lives and 69 have been injured.
Sindh has reported 22 deaths. Balochistan has confirmed 16 casualties, while Azad Kashmir saw one death and six people injured. Islamabad has also reported one fatality.
Most of the deaths have been caused by flash floods, structural collapses, drowning, landslides, lightning strikes, and electrocution.
The Pakistan Metrological Department has predicted more rain on Wednesday (July 23).
According to weather forecast for Tuesday Night, rain-wind/thundershower is expected in Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and northeast Balochistan.
Heavy rainfall is also likely in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pothohar region, northeast Punjab and Kashmir during the period. Hot and humid weather is expected in southern parts of the country.
Weather forecast for Wednesday
Rain-wind/thundershower is expected in Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and northeast Balochistan. Heavyfalls (at times very heavy) are also likely in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pothohar region, northeast Punjab and Kashmir during the period. Hot and humid weather is expected in southern parts of country.
Monsoon rains a routine climate feature
Monsoon rains are a routine feature of South Asia’s climate and are essential for crop irrigation.
However, their adverse impact has worsened in recent years due to rapid urban expansion, poor drainage system in big cities, and extreme weather conditions linked to climate change.
