ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is expected to experience more monsoon rains in the next two to three days, said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday, as the cumulative death toll in rain-related incidents across the country reached 173 since the beginning of the season on June 25.
Pakistan has witnessed erratic weather patterns, leading to heatwaves and flash floods, in the last few years and is among the top 10 countries most deeply affected by global climate change. This is despite the fact that the country’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions remains less than one percent.
Last year, about one-third of the country was flooded during the monsoon rainfall that claimed nearly 1,700 lives and led to an estimated damage of over $30 billion.
“According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s forecast, there is a possibility of thunderstorms with lightning, along with rain, in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the next 48 to 72 hours,” the NDMA said in its statement.
“There is a possible risk of floods in River Kabul and its tributaries along with DG Khan division ... [until] July 30, 2023,” it added. “Due to the convergence of water inflow in Taunsa, Panjnad, and Gudu Barrage, a high flood level is possible on July 30, 2023.”
“Sukkur Barrage can also witness high flood levels by July 31,” the statement continued.
Separately, the NDMA released its monsoon situation report on Saturday that revealed that 173 people, including 72 children and 32 women, had lost their lives due to the ongoing rains or floods in the country since the start of the season.
It also reported that 258 house have been completely destroyed in the country due to the recent spells of rains while 1,227 have suffered partial damage.
The NDMA also instructed relevant government departments to provide advance information about rains and floods to address possible risks.
“Keep machinery ready to cope with emergency situations,” it said. “Make arrangements for the relocation of residents in low-lying areas.”
