As many as 12 people were killed while eight were injured in different rain-related incidents in Karachi, Lahore and Ziarat during the last two days, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of more rain with flashflood warning acros country during next 24-hours, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
During rain in Karachi, a man and his daughter were killed when the roof of their house caved in Lyari, while five others, including children and a woman, were wounded. In another incident of roof collapse, reported from Manzoor Colony, a child was killed while another was injured.
Five people lost their lives after receiving electric shocks in New Karachi Sector 11 J, SITE Area Labour Square Company, Surjani Khuda ki Basti, Golimar and Bilal Colony in Korangi. 40-year-old Gulfam was electrocuted in New Karachi Sector 11 J, 22-year-old Mir Jan was electrocuted in Golimar Firdaus Colony, and another 22-year-old youth Kamran lost his life after receiving electric shocks at SITE Area Labour Square Company.
21-year-old Ahmad was electrocuted in Surjani Khuda ki Basti, while 17-year-old Mudassir was killed after receiving electric shocks at Bilal Colony in Korangi. On the other hand, water is still to be drained out from several localities of the city following yesterday’s rain.
The situation is especially pathetic in Saddar Town.
Two die in incident of roof collapse in Lahore
Two people were killed, while one was injured when the roof of their house collapsed in Sharifpura locality of Lahore on Sunday.
The dead and the injured were shifted to Services Hospital.
Two women swept away by floodwater in Ziarat
Two women drowned in Zarrgai Dam in Ziarat after heavy rain lashed the city and its suburbs.
According to eyewitnesses, the women were passing through a stream near the dam when suddenly they were swept away by the swollen stream. Locals rushed to the spot to rescue the women.
According to the figures released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday, 63 people were injured in different incidents between June 26 and June 28, while an equal number of houses were damaged. "Around 30 cattle also perished in rain-related incidents," the Authority informed.
On Saturday, 24News TV channel reported that heavy rain and flash flooding across Pakistan had killed 32 people, including 16 children, since the start of the monsoon season this week, disaster management officials said.
Flash floods and roof collapses over the past 36 hours claimed the lives of 19 people, eight of them children, a statement issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial disaster management authority said. Of the total fatalities, 13 were reported from northwestern Swat Valley.
At least 13 people have also been killed in the eastern province of Punjab since Wednesday, the area's disaster management authority said. Eight of the fatalities were children, who died when walls and roofs collapsed during heavy rain.
Flooding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also damaged 56 houses, six of which were destroyed, the disaster authority said. The national meteorological service warned that the risk of heavy rain and possible flash floods will remain high until at least Tuesday.
Last month, at least 32 people were killed in severe storms in the South Asian nation, which experienced several extreme weather events in the spring, including strong hailstorms. Pakistan is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, and its 240 million inhabitants are facing extreme weather events with increasing frequency.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Chairman National Disaster Management Authority to maintain close liaison with provincial governments across the country, especially in the upper areas, and provide assistance in the backdrop of recent torrential rains.
The Prime Minister issued these directives during his telephonic conversation with Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik on Saturday. The Chairman NDMA briefed the Prime Minister on the recent rainfall situation across the country.
The Prime Minister instructed the Chairman NDMA to further expedite coordination with the rescue agencies, district administrations and the provincial governments in this regard.
The Prime Minister further directed to apprise the people in advance about the weather conditions through cell phone messages.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain-wind/thundershowers for Monday in several regions of the country, along with warnings of flash floods, landslides, and potential damage to infrastructure during the ongoing wet spell.
According to the PMD, widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region, and northeast Punjab on Sunday night. A few areas may see heavy to very heavy rainfall, especially in the early hours of Monday.
In Punjab, most districts will remain hot and humid. However, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and nearby areas may receive rain with thunder and strong winds. Some locations might witness heavy downpours in the morning.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, partly cloudy skies are expected across the province. Rain and thunderstorms are likely in Swat, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, and nearby districts, with possible heavy rainfall in isolated areas during early morning.
In Balochistan, weather will remain hot and humid overall. However, Zhob, Musakhel, Barkhan, Khuzdar, Lasbela, and surrounding areas may receive scattered rain and thunderstorms.
In Sindh, hot and humid conditions will persist, though southeastern and lower districts may receive isolated rain with thunder.
In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, partly cloudy weather is expected with chances of isolated rain and thunderstorms.
The PMD has warned of flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and Kashmir due to intense rainfall. Moderate flooding may also occur in Musakhel, Barkhan, Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Qalat in Balochistan.
Strong winds and thunderstorms may disturb daily life and damage weak infrastructure, such as electric poles and solar panels. There’s also a risk of landslides in hilly areas of KP, Murree, Galiyat, and Kashmir, which may block traffic and roads.
Maximum temperatures recorded today: Sibi, Jacobabad – 44°C; Chilas, Bhakkar, Bunji, Noorpur Thal, Layyah, Nokundi, and Dalbandin – 43°C.
On the directions of the Chief Minister of Balochistan, a rescue helicopter will remain available 24/7 to handle any emergency during the monsoon and flood situation. According to government spokesperson Shahid Rind, the Balochistan government has decided to respond immediately and effectively to all rescue operations. He assured that aerial support will be provided in any emergency.
He said that the safety of lives and property is the government's top priority. The provincial government is fully prepared to tackle any potential danger during the monsoon season, he added.
The NDMA has advised citizens to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas. Emergency services have been put on standby, and the public is urged to follow updates through official channels and weather bulletins.
Reporters: Usama Malik, Abid Ch, Rehmat Naseeb and Hashir Warraich