ISLAMABAD: Climate change minister Sherry Rehman said on Wednesday that at least 77 people have lost their lives due to the ravages of monsoon rains across the country, while 39 people have died in Balochistan alone.
The current monsoon rains have destroyed hundreds of houses and hampered rescue operations in remote areas of the country.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the minister termed the casualties as a “national tragedy” and said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has prepared a national contingency plan to deal with the situation during the monsoon season. .
He said that the NDMA has also called upon the people to remain vigilant so that further damage can be prevented.
“We need a comprehensive plan to stop these” [deaths and devastation] Because all this destruction is happening because of climate change.”
The rains have not stopped and will continue till July 8, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), which has also warned of water-logging in low-lying areas.
more rain
Although Karachi did not receive heavy rains till the end of Wednesday afternoon, 40-50 mm of rain is expected over the metropolis under the influence of a strong weather system that has developed over the sea.
The Meteorological Department said that low air pressure is present in the south of Sindh, which is receiving moisture from the North Arabian Sea.
It said that intermittent to moderate rain-thundershowers with occasional heavy rain were also expected over Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta, Hyderabad and Tando Allair till July 8.
The department has also forecast rain in Tando Muhammad Khan, Jamshoro, Sanghar, Nawabshah, Dadu, Noshero Firoz, Kambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Sukkur districts and Karachi till the same date.
“These rains may cause waterlogging in low-lying areas in Karachi Division, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Dadu, Kambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Sukkur districts,” the Meteorological Department said.
Balochistan
After dozens of people died, the Balochistan government declared Quetta a disaster-hit region and imposed a state of emergency in the provincial capital.
The rivers and canals of the state are in spate due to the torrential rains. As of Wednesday morning, more than 20 had been injured when walls and roofs of dozens of homes collapsed and flooded people drowned.
According to the Balochistan Disaster Management Authority, Qila Saifullah, Jhob, Pishin and Harnai districts have been the most affected by the rains, while Muslim Bagh, Kamaruddin and Khushnoob have also recorded flood situation.
Flash floods occurred overnight in several villages of Khushnoub and a link bridge was washed away, making it difficult for rescue workers to reach the affected people.
According to the assistant commissioner, the ward and emergency room of Muslim Bagh Civil Hospital were flooded, while in the hilly areas of Muslim Bagh, more than 100 houses were damaged due to rain.
In addition, the connecting roads of Kan Mehtarzai, Loi Band and Ragha Sultanzai were washed away in the flood.
The Chaman administration has said that more than 70 houses have been affected by the floods in Badijai and Torkhel areas, while the Harnai-Punjab-Loralai highway has been closed for traffic due to torrential rains.
According to Levies officials, a portion of the Velin Dam in the Afghan border region of Kamaruddin collapsed, flooding low-lying areas and flooding 11 houses. The affected have been shifted to safer places.
Levies officials said most of the roads leading to the remote areas of Qila Saifullah, Zhob and Harnai were affected and rescue operations were disrupted in many areas.