At least 103 people have lost their lives as ongoing monsoon rains and floods wreak havoc across Pakistan's Punjab and Balochistan provinces.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), from July 1 to August 17, 84 people have died and 224 have been injured in Punjab alone due to incidents like lightning, electrocution, and building collapses.
Over 245 houses have been affected, with 100 completely destroyed and 145 partially damaged, as reported by Dawn.
While monsoon rains are crucial for water supplies, their increasing severity, exacerbated by climate change, has turned them deadly.
In Balochistan, the PDMA reports 19 deaths, 11 injuries, and over 3,000 affected individuals. The provincial government has declared emergencies in several districts as heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow and submerged agricultural lands.
In Sohbatpur, rice fields have been particularly hard hit. Kalat recorded the highest rainfall in Balochistan, with other areas also experiencing significant downpours.
Despite the widespread damage, the National Highway Authority has managed to keep major roads open, with ongoing repairs in flood-affected regions.
In Punjab, cities like Lahore have been paralyzed by heavy rains, leading to traffic gridlock and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has been working to clear standing water from major roads and intersections.
Nationally, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that 195 people have been killed and 362 injured in rain-related incidents, with 2,293 houses damaged across the country.
With the monsoon season expected to continue until August 25, authorities are on high alert to prevent further casualties and damage.
Political leaders, including Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and property, stressing the need for collective efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Financial support is being provided to affected families, and relief operations are ongoing in both provinces.
While monsoon rains from June to September are typical in Pakistan, experts warn that climate change is intensifying both summer heat and monsoons in the region, leading to increasingly severe consequences.
