FLOODS caused by non-stop rains have left at least 63 people dead and injured close to 300 in just 24 hours since rains in Pakistan's Punjab region,

In a report by BBC, most deaths were due to collapsing structures, while others were due to drowning or electrocution.

In Rawalpindi, which lies next to the capital, Islamabad, officials announced Thursday as a public holiday to keep people indoors. Evacuation was ordered for those who live close to the city's overflowing river. The rains have brought life to a standstill in the province, closing several expressways and leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations.

Ever since the onset of monsoon rains in late June, the total death toll across the country has gone up to close to 180, with over half the deaths being those of children.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has imposed a state of emergency across various locations, with residents being asked to adhere to safety guidelines. "Government institutions are working with maximum effort," she posted on X (formerly Twitter).

In Chakwal, where 400mm fell in a single day, rescue crews in boats and helicopters are still combing the area for residents stranded. Thousands of emergency personnel throughout the province are now on call, as additional heavy rain and flash flooding are predicted through the weekend.

With a population of close to 250 million, Pakistan is one of the most exposed countries to climate change. The country has both extreme heat and drought conditions, as well as excessive monsoon rains. Over 13,000 glaciers exist in the country, most of which are melting at a fast rate.(Jeo Ckaji Siwala, HNU-Comm Intern)

• Tags
• #Floods
• #Pakistan
• #Dead
• #Punjab Region
• #Heavy Rains
• #Collapsing structures
• #Electrocution
• #Rawalpindi
• #Maryam Nawaz
• #Chakaal