In northern Pakistan, monsoon rains caused catastrophic floods that in just 48 hours consumed at least 344 lives. The tragic effects of the element have caused a stir in the region and internationally.
On Saturday, rescuers fought to extract bodies from muddy debris after violent floods caused by heavy monsoon rains in northern Pakistan, which in the last 48 hours killed at least 344 people, reported to the authorities.
What caused tragic flooding?
The extremely intense monsoon rains hit the mountainous province of Chajber Pashtunchwa and parts of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The water broke the houses and roads, and the landslides consumed entire families.
This is the biggest flood in decades – locals admit that even the oldest inhabitants do not remember a similar tragedy.
The magnitude of the tragedy: numbers and affected areas
Violent floods wreak havoc in northern Pakistan, and relief efforts in flood-stricken villages are taking on pace. Thousands of people remain cut off from the world, and the number of deaths is increasing throughout the country.
According to the National Disaster Management Office, most of the 344 victims died in the Chajber Pashtunchwa province (328 victims), nine people – in Kashmir, and five in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Hundreds of people are considered missing. At least 120 people were injured and thousands lost their homes.
Response of authorities and emergency services
Natychmiast po tragedii na miejsce kataklizmu skierowano wojskowe i cywilne służby ratunkowe, które prowadzą akcje poszukiwawczo-ratownicze oraz dostarczają pomoc żywnościową i namioty tymczasowe. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called an extraordinary meeting of the government, and temporary flood camps are formed in the most affected areas.
Monsoon floods Pakistan is an annual problem, but climate change is making them increasingly destructive. The melting glaciers strengthen the power of the element, and increasingly, rapid rainfall leads to water strikes which local flood protection systems cannot meet.
- In recent years Pakistan has experienced a series of floods that gradually destroyed infrastructure, facilitating even greater destruction.
- For many northern residents, homes and livelihoods disappeared literally within hours.
Short-term forecasts and risks
Meteorologists warn that heavy rainfall in the region may take at least until 21 August, which increases the risk of further landslides and increased casualties. Travels in northern Pakistan are now dangerous and emergency services call for caution and remain in safe places.
