A new spell of monsoon rains has gripped Pakistan, bringing torrential downpours to Karachi, several districts of Sindh, and parts of Balochistan, causing flash floods, infrastructural damage, and multiple casualties.
In Karachi, heavy rain began early Tuesday morning in several neighborhoods, including Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Shah Latif Town, Korangi, Landhi, Defence, Clifton, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Airport, and University Road. Streets in areas like University Road and Saddar were submerged, with water rising to the sidewalks near New Town Police Station. Commuters faced severe traffic disruptions as major roads, including Jail Chowrangi to Peoples Chowrangi, went underwater.
The Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and strong winds in several districts of Sindh, including Dadu, Badin, Hyderabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Sanghar, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sukkur, and Larkana.
In Balochistan, flash floods have emerged in multiple areas. Heavy rains in Kachhi district forced the closure of the Quetta-Sibi highway at Bibi Nani. The Deputy Commissioner urged citizens not to travel due to the risk of flooding. Harnai and the surrounding regions are experiencing stormy rains, while all departments have been put on high alert for potential flooding in rivers and streams.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan, 22 people have lost their lives since June 28, including 13 women and 4 children. The fatalities occurred due to electrocution, drowning in dams, collapsing walls, and flash floods. The report further stated that 83 houses were damaged, 357 solar panels destroyed, and four government buildings suffered structural losses.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government has initiated compensation for families of flood victims in Buner, where each affected family is being given Rs. 2 million. Meanwhile, rescue operations by the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps North are underway in Swabi, Shangla, Buner, and Swat. Military doctors have set up medical camps, distributing free medicines, while rations and essential items are being provided to displaced families.
The international community, including the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, has expressed sorrow over the devastating floods and the loss of lives in Pakistan. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also offered condolences, stating that the United Nations is ready to provide support if requested by Pakistan.
