NDMA reports 98 dead in Pakistan floods

Heavy rains in Pakistan have resulted in a tragic toll, with 98 lives lost and 89 individuals injured, according to a report by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest number of fatalities at 46, followed by Punjab with 26, Balochistan with 15, and Azad Kashmir with 11.

Among the injured, 60 were in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 11 in Azad Kashmir, 10 in Balochistan, and 8 in Punjab. The relentless downpours have caused extensive damage to homes, with 536 houses completely destroyed and 2,725 partially damaged nationwide. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bore the brunt with 436 houses affected, along with 20 in Azad Kashmir and 80 in Balochistan.

The meteorological office has issued warnings of rain, wind, thunderstorms, and potential snowfall in northern regions, including upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and the Pothohar region over the next twelve hours. The recent heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding in Balochistan, particularly impacting the port city of Gwadar. Numerous villages have been submerged, link roads and bridges washed away, and mud dwellings destroyed by flash floods in various areas.

The situation remains critical as sporadic heavy rainfall continues to affect regions like Chaman and its surroundings. The devastation caused by the persistent rain underscores the urgent need for relief efforts and support for the affected communities.