ISLAMABAD: The death toll from ongoing monsoon-related incidents across Pakistan has risen to 252, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), as 10 more deaths were reported in the past 24 hours.
The NDMA report states that from June 26 to July 24, heavy rains and related accidents have led to widespread destruction across the country. A total of 611 people have been injured so far. In the past 24 hours alone, 151 houses have collapsed and 120 livestock have perished due to rain-related incidents.
Punjab remains the worst-affected province, with 139 reported fatalities. Severe weather alerts are currently in effect for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where further heavy rainfall is expected today.
The NDMA has advised citizens to stay away from trees, billboards, and weak structures during storms in order to stay safe. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
The monsoon season in Pakistan often brings devastating consequences due to poor urban planning, inadequate drainage systems, and unsafe building structures. In many rural and low-income areas, homes made of mud or weak materials collapse easily under heavy rain, contributing to high fatality and injury rates.
Climate experts have also raised concerns that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are increasing due to climate change. They stress the need for long-term disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and better coordination among federal and provincial authorities to mitigate the impact of future disasters.
