Rain-related disasters leave 195 dead, 362 injured between July 1 and August 17: NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported a grim toll from ongoing torrential rains in Pakistan, with at least 195 fatalities and 362 injuries recorded between July 1 and August 17. The report, released on Sunday, details the extensive damage caused by the relentless monsoon rains, which have severely affected various regions of the country.

In the latest update, the NDMA confirmed that seven additional deaths occurred in the 24 hours leading up to August 17. This included six deaths in Punjab and one in Balochistan, bringing the total number of fatalities to 195. The report also noted that 30 more people were injured during the same period, with Punjab suffering the highest number of injuries, totaling 29.

The NDMA's report highlights the widespread devastation caused by the rains, including the destruction of 2,293 properties, with 734 completely and 1,559 partially damaged. The flooding has also impacted over 44 kilometres of roads and 30 bridges nationwide.

The NDMA has reconciled the latest figures with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Balochistan, which has also been hit hard by the severe weather. Flash floods have exacerbated the damage in low-lying areas, with 22 houses reported as damaged in a single day.

Looking ahead, the NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) predicts that more heavy rains are expected to impact various parts of Pakistan from the evening of August 18 through August 19, potentially leading to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar.

In response, the NDMA has urged all relevant departments to implement precautionary measures to manage the expected flooding and mitigate the effects of the extreme weather.