At least 50 people have died as a result of landslides and floods brought on by monsoon rains, including eight children. Since last month, torrential rains have continued, which are crucial in supplying 70-80% of the region’s annual rainfall between June and September in favor of South Asia.
The monsoon brings about devastating floods and landslides despite being essential for the livelihoods of millions of farmers and the food security of roughly two billion people.
An official with the national disaster management authority (NDMA) reported that since the monsoon season started on June 25, there have been 50 fatalities in a variety of rain-related incidents. Moreover, 87 people were hurt during this time. According to the NDMA, the majority of fatalities took place in Punjab, mostly as a result of electrocution and building collapse.
Eight children’s bodies were pulled from a landslide in the Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Thursday, and rescuers are still looking for other children who may still be trapped.
Officials in Lahore reported Wednesday’s rainfall as being unprecedented, resulting in flooded roads and this week’s loss of water and electricity for close to 35% of the region.
The weather service has issued alerts for widespread heavy rain in the upcoming days, highlighting the potential for flooding in important river catchment areas in Punjab. The province’s disaster management organization has responded by announcing plans to relocate people close to waterways.
Rainfall seasons are becoming more unpredictable as a result of climate change. Unprecedented monsoon rains last summer submerged a third of Pakistan, damaging two million homes, and killing more than 1,700 people. At least 27 people, including eight children, were killed by storms at the beginning of last month.
Even though Pakistan contributes less than 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is one of the nations most susceptible to weather extremes associated with global warming. With the fifth-largest population in the world, the nation has a difficult time adjusting to the effects of climate change.
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