Pakistan: Floods kill 46 as more severe weather is expected

At least 46 people have died and dozens have been injured after nearly a week of extensive monsoon rains and flash floods in Pakistan, The New Arab plus agencies reported on June 30th. Officials say more dangerous weather could still be on the way.

Since June 24th, strong rains have hit several parts of the country. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the worst affected area, with 22 people killed. Punjab reported 13 deaths, southern Sindh reported seven, and southwest Balochistan reported four, according to the National Disaster Management Authority and provincial emergency officials.

“We’re expecting heavier than usual rains this monsoon season,” said Irfan Virk, deputy director of the Pakistan Meteorological Department. He warned there is a chance of flash floods as bad as the ones in 2022, when over 1,700 people died and a third of the country was submerged.

One of the most severe incidents this week involved a family of tourists. Thirteen members of the same family were swept away. So far, rescuers have found 12 bodies and they are still looking for the last missing person.

The tragedy has caused anger online, with many blaming emergency services for its delayed action. Pakistan faces growing risks from extreme weather, and experts say the country needs to be better prepared for disasters like these.

The New Arab plus agencies