312 dead, 740 injured in flash floods, rains since June 26: NDMA
PDMA issues flood advisory as Punjab braces for seventh monsoon spell
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: At least 312 people have lost their lives and 740 others have been injured due to heavy rains and flash floods that have affected vulnerable regions of Pakistan since June 26, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which continues to monitor the situation.
The fatalities include 142 children, 113 men, and 57 women. Among the injured are 243 children, 288 men, and 209 women. The monsoon-triggered disasters have caused widespread destruction, damaging a total of 1,722 houses.
Of these, 572 homes were completely destroyed while 1,150 sustained partial damage. The floods have also led to the loss of 434 livestock, deepening the crisis for affected communities.
In response to the emergency, NDMA has carried out 223 rescue operations, successfully evacuating 2,880 individuals from flood-hit areas. Relief efforts have been extensive, with the authority distributing 14,112 essential items including tents, food packs, blankets, quilts, mattresses, kitchen sets, tarpaulins, life jackets, hygiene kits, ration bags, and de-watering pumps.
To address health concerns, 74 medical camps have been set up, where 577 people have received treatment so far. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as heavy rains persist, raising fears of further damage in already affected regions.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab on Monday issued a flood advisory as the province braces for a seventh spell of monsoon rains from August 13.
In its advisory, the PDMA said that a fresh monsoon spell is likely to cause rising water levels in major rivers, including the Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum, as well as their adjoining streams and tributaries.
The PDMA warned of flooding in low-lying and riverine areas due to expected heavy rainfall.
Commissioners, deputy commissioners, and all relevant departments have been instructed to remain on high alert, the advisory read.
Meanwhile, Punjab PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia has urged local authorities to ensure the evacuation of residents and livestock from riverbanks.
He also reminded the public that swimming in rivers, canals, and water bodies is strictly prohibited during the emergency period.
Citizens are advised to contact PDMA’s helpline at 1129 in case of any emergency, he said.
The recent monsoon spell wreaked havoc across Pakistan with scenes of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides resulting in over 300 deaths, while several others are still missing, along with damage to infrastructure.
Gilgit Baltistan, which hosts several tourist hotspots, was also battered by flash floods and landslides, with Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, last month, saying that at least 10 people were killed and four others were injured in the region in floods triggered by intense monsoon rains.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif distributed compensation cheques among families affected by recent floods in Gilgit Baltistan and directed immediate restoration of damaged infrastructure under a Rs4 billion relief package.
During his visit to the region, the premier handed over Rs1 million compensation cheques to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the calamity. Offering prayers for the deceased and speedy recovery of the injured, the prime minister said he had come to express solidarity with the flood victims.
“Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change,” PM Shehbaz had said while addressing the check-distribution ceremony.
He called for the establishment of an advanced warning system to mitigate future disaster risks.
