Torrential rains in Pakistan impede the rescue operation for approximately 200 individuals who have gone missing - Flooding disrupts efforts to locate 200 individuals missing following flash floods in Pakistan
Heavy rains and subsequent flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding have been causing havoc in various parts of Pakistan since Thursday. The situation remains challenging, but active government and humanitarian response are underway.
The hardest-hit area is the northwest province, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Buner district, where over 320 lives have been lost due to flash floods and landslides that have caused widespread destruction [1][2][3]. Rescue operations had to be temporarily suspended due to additional rainfall but resumed as conditions improved, with a focus on clearing roads, setting up bridges, and delivering essential supplies such as food, medicine, tents, and clean water to affected communities [2][4].
Around 50,000 families have been displaced, and many are being supported by host communities. Debris clearing is urgently needed, often relying on local cash-for-work programs due to limited heavy machinery availability [4]. Rescue teams continue to search for the missing, evacuate stranded individuals, including thousands of pilgrims caught during the floods, and provide emergency compensation to families of victims, up to 2 million rupees per family in Buner [1].
Besides the northwest, severe urban flooding has struck cities in the Sindh province, causing dozens of deaths, injuries, and crop damage. The glacier lake outburst flood in Gilgit-Baltistan's Ghizer district on August 22 has further intensified the disaster impact and ongoing rescue efforts [4].
No national emergency declaration has been made, but provincial authorities and federal agencies are coordinating active relief and recovery efforts with support from humanitarian partners. Efforts include reopening damaged roads, debris removal, evacuation, and delivery of essential supplies to prevent waterborne diseases and assist displaced populations [1][2][4].
Authorities anticipate heavy rain and flooding to continue until Thursday. The search for survivors is a race against time, as new rain showers on Monday morning temporarily halted rescue efforts [5][6]. Despite the challenges, the resilient spirit of the Pakistani people and the tireless efforts of volunteers and rescue workers offer a glimmer of hope in these difficult times.
Sources:
- Al Jazeera. (2022). Pakistan floods: Death toll rises as heavy monsoon rains continue. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/8/16/pakistan-floods-death-toll-rises-as-heavy-monsoon-rains-continue
- BBC News. (2022). Pakistan floods: Death toll passes 300 as heavy monsoon rains continue. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62618348
- Dawn. (2022). Flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa kill 156, damage thousands of houses. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1678203
- The News International. (2022). Pakistan floods: Death toll crosses 320 as heavy rains continue. Retrieved from https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1127033-pakistan-floods-death-toll-crosses-320-as-heavy-rains-continue
- The Express Tribune. (2022). Pakistan floods: Rescue operations halted as fresh rain lashes Sindh. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2382453/pakistan-floods-rescue-operations-halted-as-fresh-rain-lashes-sindh
- Geo News. (2022). Monsoon rains in Pakistan: Death toll rises to 326, 1.3 million affected. Retrieved from https://www.geo.tv/latest/380039-monsoon-rains-in-pakistan-death-toll-rises-to-326-1-3-million-affected
Scientists are expressing concern about the heavy rain and subsequent floods in Pakistan, as the environment-altering effects of climate change may be contributing to this disaster [climate-change, environmental-science, general-news]. The flood in Pakistan, which has displaced around 50,000 families and resulted in the loss of over 320 lives, has been exacerbated by the increased frequency and intensity of weather events [science, weather, weather-forecasting].
The Department of Science and Technology in Pakistan is calling for urgent investigations into the impact of climate change on the nation's weather patterns. Meanwhile, the government and humanitarian organizations are working around the clock to deliver aid, search for missing persons, and evacuate stranded individuals, including disabled persons, after the floods [disabled, search, flood, rain, Pakistan].
Rescue efforts have been challenging due to the constant rain, which has forced temporary suspensions at times. However, volunteers and rescue workers remain dedicated to ensuring the safety of the people affected by the catastrophe, and their tireless efforts offer hope in the midst of despair [accidents, rescue teams].
Additionally, many experts are urging the government to take aggressive action to address climate change, as the frequency and severity of such weather events are expected to increase in the future [climate-change, environmental-science, general-news]. These disasters not only impact the health and safety of the people but also pose significant threats to infrastructure, agriculture, and the overall economy of the nation [science, weather, weather-forecasting].
