The death toll from weeks of monsoon rains and flash floods in Pakistan has reached 156, officials announced on Thursday. Since the onset of the monsoon season on July 1, over 1,800 homes have been damaged, with orchards in remote areas of Baluchistan province also affected. The heavy rains have flooded streets in Lahore and caused landslides in the Pakistan-administered portion of Kashmir.
The monsoon season, which typically occurs from July through September, has been particularly severe this year. Climate change has been cited as a factor contributing to the heavy rainfall in recent years. In 2022, intense downpours led to significant damage across the country, claiming the lives of 1,739 people and causing billions of dollars in losses.
The provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reported the highest number of deaths, with nearly 300 people injured in rain-related incidents. Relief efforts are underway, with authorities providing free food and medical assistance to those affected. More than 2,000 individuals are currently housed in relief camps in Sindh province, where the rains have been particularly harsh.
Weather forecasters predict that the ongoing spell of rain will persist until the following Monday, posing a continued threat to vulnerable communities. In response to the escalating crisis, the International Rescue Committee has announced plans to expand its aid efforts in Pakistan. The group’s director in the country, Shabnam Baloch, emphasized the importance of providing timely support to prevent the situation from worsening.
As Pakistan grapples with the devastating impact of the monsoon season, it is crucial for humanitarian organizations and government agencies to work together to ensure that affected populations receive the assistance they need to recover and rebuild. The resilience of communities in the face of natural disasters is a testament to the strength and unity of the Pakistani people.