Pakistan Devastated by Torrential Rains, 180 Dead Including Children

Pakistan is grappling with severe disruption caused by intense monsoon rains. Since the onset of the rainy season, at least 180 people have lost their lives, with over 500 reported injured. Among the deceased are several children.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), rainfall this July has been nearly 60% higher than usual. The early and intense monsoon has triggered floods and a rise in rain-related accidents across the country.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued fresh warnings, forecasting more heavy rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms from Saturday, July 19. Cities in Sindh province, including Karachi and Hyderabad, are expected to be heavily affected. The PMD has warned that low-lying urban areas are at risk of flooding and has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

In Punjab province, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast continuous rain from July 20 to 25. Strong winds and heavy downpours are expected across much of the region, potentially causing rivers to overflow and triggering floods. The capital city Islamabad and central Punjab are also under threat of heavy rain until July 24.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a combination of glacial melt and persistent rain has raised the risk of flash floods, especially in hilly and mountainous areas. Local authorities have urged residents to avoid high-risk zones and remain cautious during travel.

Since June 25, rescue services in Punjab have reported rescuing 1,594 people affected by the rains. Among them, 449 sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.

On Saturday, three children tragically lost their lives in separate rain-related incidents in Punjab—one drowned, another was killed when a roof collapsed, and the third died from electrocution.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters