Post by : Jyoti Gupta

Photo:AP

Heavy monsoon rains in northern Pakistan have caused widespread devastation, leaving hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and entire villages destroyed. The disaster has particularly affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a mountainous province in the northwest bordering Afghanistan, where rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid ongoing rainfall.

Authorities confirmed that 356 people have died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since Thursday evening, with dozens more killed in surrounding regions. This brings the total death toll from the last five days of heavy rains to nearly 400. The rains have triggered flash floods and landslides, sweeping away homes and cutting off communication and roads, leaving many areas completely isolated.

Villages and Rescue Efforts

* In hard-hit villages like Dalori, rescuers are working tirelessly to dig through mud and debris, hoping to find survivors or recover the bodies of those still missing.

* Villagers are seen praying and anxiously watching rescue operations. Many lost family members and homes in minutes, describing the disaster as “terrifying”.

* Survivors recount how quickly the floods struck, giving them no time to prepare or evacuate.

Survivor Quotes:

* Umar Islam, 31: “Our misery is beyond explanation. In a matter of minutes, we lost everything we had. Our lives are ruined.”

* Fazal Akbar, 37: “It happened so suddenly that no one had even a minute to react. Villagers rushed to rescue people themselves. In less than 20 minutes, our village was reduced to ruins.”

Ongoing Challenges

* Heavy rainfall continues to hamper rescue operations.

* Roads and communication networks are damaged, leaving many areas cut off.

* Southern provinces, including Sindh, may face urban flooding due to weak infrastructure, especially in large cities like Karachi.

* Neighboring Balochistan province has reported rainfall in 15 districts, blocking highways and damaging homes.

Government and NDMA Response

* National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that heavy rains will continue until Saturday, with additional spells expected later this month.

* Authorities are urging residents to stay alert, avoid risky areas, and follow evacuation instructions.

* Rescue teams, volunteers, and local communities are working together to deliver aid, though the scale of destruction is making operations challenging.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned that more heavy rainfall is expected, continuing until Saturday, with additional spells predicted later this month. The continuing rains are complicating rescue efforts, damaging roads, and disrupting communication networks, leaving stranded residents in urgent need of help.

The disaster is not limited to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Southern provinces, including Sindh, are also expected to experience heavy rains, which could lead to urban flooding, particularly in large cities like Karachi, where infrastructure weaknesses make the city more vulnerable. Neighboring Balochistan province has reported rainfall in 15 districts, blocking major highways connecting it to Sindh and causing damage to dozens of homes.

Why It Happened

* Monsoon rains in Pakistan are a seasonal phenomenon, typically lasting from June to September.

* Landslides and flash floods are common during this season, particularly in mountainous regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

* Climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency and severity of floods. Poor infrastructure and drainage systems also contribute to higher risks of urban flooding.

Wider Impact

* More than 700 people have already died in monsoon-related floods since June 26, with nearly 1,000 injured.

* Entire villages have been submerged, roads damaged, and livelihoods destroyed.

* Families are struggling to rebuild, losing homes, crops, and sources of income.

* Previous floods in 2022 submerged nearly one-third of Pakistan, killing around 1,700 people.

Experts say that landslides and flash floods are common during the monsoon, which usually begins in June and lasts until the end of September. With heavy rains forecast to continue, authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and take precautions. Rescue teams, volunteers, and local communities are working together to provide relief, but the scale of destruction and the ongoing rains are making these efforts extremely challenging.

The situation has also raised urgent calls for better infrastructure and flood management, as poor drainage and weak roads increase the risks of such disasters. Meanwhile, families affected by the floods are struggling to rebuild their lives after losing homes, livelihoods, and loved ones.

As the monsoon season progresses, Pakistan faces a race against time to rescue survivors, deliver aid, and prevent further loss of life, while preparing for more severe weather that could affect millions of people across the country.

The ongoing monsoon floods in Pakistan are a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. Factors such as climate change, poor infrastructure, and unplanned urbanization have worsened the impact of these natural disasters. Authorities and communities are working together to rescue survivors and provide relief, but continued rains and flash floods make recovery extremely challenging. Immediate action on disaster preparedness, better drainage systems, and climate adaptation measures is critical to prevent future loss of life and property.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa