Catastrophe in Pakistan: Over 650 fatalities, almost 1,000 injuries from devastating monsoon chaos
Pakistan is currently grappling with the aftermath of a particularly destructive monsoon season. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), this year's monsoon has been among the most devastating in recent memory.
Death Toll Rises Across the Country
As of the latest reports, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the hardest-hit province, with 390 deaths recorded. Sindh and Balochistan have reported 28 and 20 deaths respectively, while 164 people have died in rain-related incidents in Punjab. Tragically, eight people have also lost their lives in Islamabad. In Gilgit-Baltistan, at least 32 people have died, and 15 have been killed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Missing Persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reports that around 150 people are still missing from the Buner and Shangla districts. Rescue operations are currently underway, with five armed forces helicopters available for the mission. However, a helicopter crash during a rescue operation near Peshawar resulted in the death of all five crew members.
Relief Efforts and Funding
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed federal ministers to supervise relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In response, the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has released PKR 1.5 billion for relief activities. Under the PM's Relief Package, truckloads of supplies, including food rations, tents, and medicines, are being dispatched to affected districts.
Expected Rainfall Patterns
According to meteorological forecasts, Pakistan is facing a very active monsoon season with significant rainfall expected throughout August and into early September. The country is likely to experience 25% above-normal rainfall during the monsoon season, with the heaviest rains forecast for August.
From August 23 to 27, torrential rains with wind and thunderstorms are predicted in the upper and central parts of Pakistan. This is due to strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. From August 27 to 29, heavy rains are forecasted in Sindh and eastern/southern Balochistan.
The severe weather is expected to continue into early September, raising the risk of further flooding, landslides, and crop losses. Two to three more monsoon spells are expected to hit Pakistan in September.
Devastating Impact on Infrastructure
The monsoon rains and flash floods have taken a heavy toll on infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At least 61 government schools have been completely destroyed, and 414 others have been partially damaged.
Recovered Black Box from Crashed Helicopter
In a positive development, the black box of the crashed helicopter has been recovered, which will aid in understanding the cause of the accident.
As the monsoon season continues, it is crucial that relief efforts are stepped up to help those affected by the floods and to minimise further loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
- Amidst the grim news from Pakistan, a ray of hope emerges as the black box from the crashed helicopter during a rescue operation has been recovered, which could help determine the accident's cause.
- The devastating impact of the monsoon season in India's neighboring country is evident, with at least 61 government schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa being completely destroyed, and 414 others partially damaged due to floods.
- As the monsoon season continues unabated, predicted to last until early September, there is an increased risk of further flooding, landslides, and crop losses across Pakistan, urging the need for heightened relief efforts.
- With Pakistan facing a very active monsoon season, General News readers should take note of the expected rainfall patterns, as significant rainfall is projected throughout August and into early September, with the heaviest rains forecast for August, posing challenges to both the environment and education sectors.
