Catastrophic Downpour in Pakistan: Houses Crumble, Landslides Cut Off Roads
Over the last two days, torrential rainfall has triggered a series of unfortunate events in Pakistan, leaving at least 29 people dead and injuring 50 others. The heavy rains have led to numerous house collapses and landslides, blocking several roads, primarily in the northwest region of the country.
Sweeping Rains: The Death Toll Rises
In the last two days, incessant rainfall has swept across Pakistan, resulting in the death of at least 29 people and injuring 50 others. A significant number of these casualties were due to house collapses and landslides that have impeded traffic, especially in the northwestern parts of the country.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A Hard-Hit Province
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, reported 23 rain-related fatalities in different areas since Thursday night, according to a statement released on Sunday by the provincial disaster management authority.
Gwadar: A Town Submerged
In the southwestern Balochistan province, five people lost their lives as the coastal town of Gwadar was inundated, compelling authorities to evacuate approximately 10,000 residents using boats.
Pakistan-Administered Kashmir: Widespread Destruction
Damage and casualties were also reported in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as noted in a separate statement by the National Disaster Management Authority.
Emergency Relief: A Beacon of Hope
Emergency relief is being provided to the affected areas, and heavy machinery is being utilized to remove debris blocking highways, as stated by the agency.
The Karakoram Highway: A Blocked Link
The Karakoram Highway, which serves as a vital link between Pakistan and China, remains blocked in several areas due to landslides, as reported by the spokesperson for the northern Gilgit Baltistan region, Faizullah Faraq.
Tourism: A Warning Issued
Authorities have warned tourists to refrain from traveling to the picturesque north due to prevailing weather conditions. Last week, several visitors were stranded there due to the heavy rains, which coincided with Pakistan experiencing severe snowfall.
Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
Despite its almost negligible contribution to global carbon emissions, Pakistan finds itself among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, as per the United Nations.
Unusual Weather Patterns
This year, Pakistan is witnessing an unusual delay in winter rains, which have commenced in February rather than November. Monsoon and winter rains cause damage in Pakistan every year.
Monsoon Rains and Flooding in 2022
In 2022, unusual monsoon rains and flooding led to widespread devastation across impoverished areas in Pakistan, claiming nearly 1,800 lives, impacting about 33 million people, and displacing nearly eight million.
The Economic Impact
The rains and floods in 2022 also caused billions of dollars’ worth of damage to the country’s economy. Some of the affected individuals who lost their homes are still residing in temporary shelters.
