Devastating Flash Floods in Pakistan: Over 160 Lives Lost and Communities Impacted

At least 194 people have died recently due to severe monsoon floods and landslides in Pakistan and its administered Kashmir. Most of these casualties occurred in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where 180 people lost their lives. The heavy rains destroyed homes and even caused a rescue helicopter to crash, killing all five on board.

In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, nine more deaths were reported, and five people died in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region. The government warns that intense rainfall is expected to continue until August 21, affecting several areas already declared disaster zones.

Survivors describe the floods as terrifying. One person from Buner, Azizullah, compared the experience to “doomsday.” He recalled hearing a loud noise and feeling the ground tremble beneath him, describing the chaos as a life-threatening ordeal.

The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gadapur, stated that poor weather conditions caused the M-17 helicopter crash while it was en route to Bajaur, a region near Afghanistan. In Bajaur, locals gathered around excavators searching through the mud, while nearby, funeral prayers took place amid heartbreaking scenes.

In the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir, rescuers found bodies amid the rubble after a flood struck a village, resulting in at least 60 fatalities.

Monsoon rains, which typically occur from June to September, account for around three-quarters of South Asia’s annual precipitation. This year, more than 300 people have died due to landslides and floods. In July, Punjab experienced a staggering 73% increase in rainfall compared to the previous year, leading to significantly higher death tolls.

Experts believe that climate change has intensified these weather patterns. The World Meteorological Organization states that rising temperatures are increasing the severity and frequency of extreme weather events worldwide.

The impact of climate change is especially evident in regions that regularly face monsoons. With each passing year, the risks and consequences seem to grow, posing a tough challenge for communities and governments alike.



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