The past week has seen a number of rain-related disasters that have left dozens of people injured and nearly 100 people dead in the northwest and southwestern regions of the country.
Flash floods in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Balochistan, Punjab, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) were triggered by torrential rains, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
As per the most recent report by the NDMA, there have been 98 fatalities and 89 injuries in these areas as a result of collapsing structures. A total of 3,261 residences suffered damage, of which 536 were completely demolished.
In hilly parts of K-P and Balochistan, severe floods and earth slides also damaged highways and bridges. The NDMA issued a separate statement in which it issued a warning that the current rainy spell will persist till April 22 and that floods in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan may result.
It stated that flash floods could occur in local nullahs in a number of areas, including Khuzdar, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Muslim Bagh, Quetta, Pishin, Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar, and Turbat, due to the anticipated rainfall.
In addition, they issued a warning to the public not to drive or stroll near fragile infrastructure and to expect severe rains between April 25 and April 29.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Disaster Management in Afghanistan reported that during the last week, flooding and heavy rains in various parts of the nation resulted in at least 70 fatalities and 56 injuries.
According to the ministry report, which was cited by the state-run Bakhtar News Agency, the catastrophic floods also completely and partially destroyed 2,627 homes and claimed the lives of over 600 animals.
According to weather service predictions, the present rainy spell is expected to last till Sunday.
Relief operations are currently being carried out in Pakistan’s flood-affected areas. The following are a few of the actions being taken:
- Emergency Response and Evacuation:
Rescue crews and local officials are attempting to remove impacted areas from danger zones.
Areas cut off by flooding are being reached by boats and helicopters.
- Shelter and Food Distribution:
Families who have been relocated have temporary shelters built up for them.
Organisations working in relief are giving those in need food, clean water, and necessities.
- Arrangement and Assistance:
In collaboration with provincial and district administrations, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is coordinating relief activities.
Volunteers, community organisations, and NGOs are all actively involved in relief efforts.