Islamabad, Aug 13: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan warned on Tuesday that a new round of intense rains from August 14–18 might cause urban flooding in some areas of the nation and increase water flow in rivers and streams, thus officials were advised to take the appropriate safety measures.
At least 154 people have died as a result of the country’s six weeks of intense monsoon rains, according to disaster management authorities in Pakistan last week. The majority of the deaths occurred in the country’s eastern Punjab and northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) regions.
Pakistan is acknowledged as one of the nations most susceptible to the effects of climate change worldwide. A United Nations official issued a warning last month, stating that the current monsoon season in Pakistan may have an impact on around 200,000 people. By 2022,
Over 1,700 people were murdered and the Pakistani economy was believed to have lost over $30 billion as a result of the deluge of rain and flooding. According to the NDMA’s statement, “from August 14 to August 18, 2024, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the NDMA anticipated further rains in various parts of the country.” “Parts of southern Balochistan, central and southern Sindh, and the catchment areas of the Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall.”
According to the statement, several places, including Murree, Galiyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, could suffer greatly from the heavy downpour. Additionally, it stated that rivers and streams in northeastern Punjab, Floods may also damage the Dera Ghazi Khan Division, Kalat, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Lasbela, and the mountainous streams and torrents of Azad Kashmir.
In order to lessen the possible effects of flooding and landslides, it advised the public and authorities to adopt the appropriate safety measures. The disaster management organization stated, “To ensure a swift response to any arising situations, NDMA issued instructions to all relevant departments to alert Emergency Response Teams and mobilize resources.” It is recommended that visitors stay away from these locations during the anticipated period.
