Officials reported on Friday that flooding and landslides caused by monsoon rains since last month have led to the death of at least 50 individuals, including eight children, in Pakistan.
The region of South Asia relies heavily on the summer monsoon, which annually provides 70-80% of the year’s rainfall from June through September. This weather phenomenon is critical for the survival of millions of farmers and food security among approximately two billion people. However, it also results in catastrophic landslides and flooding.
An official from the national disaster management stated that since the onset of the monsoon on June 25, 50 fatalities from rain-related incidents across Pakistan have been recorded. Additionally, during this time, 87 people have been injured.
The bulk of the casualties occurred in the Punjab province, predominantly due to electrocution and building collapse, as revealed by official statistics.
In the Shangla district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a landslide claimed the lives of eight children, as told by emergency service Rescue 1122. Search operations are underway for additional children trapped beneath the rubble.
The Impact of Climate Change on Monsoon Patterns
After Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city witnessed a record rainfall on Wednesday, about 35% of the city lacked electricity and water this week, as streets turned into rivers.
With the Meteorological Department forecasting more torrential rains across the country in the upcoming days, warnings have been issued regarding potential flooding in the catchment areas of Punjab’s main rivers. Consequently, the province’s disaster management authority is initiating efforts to relocate residents along the waterways.
Despite contributing less than one per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan, home to the world’s fifth-largest population, is highly susceptible to the adverse weather conditions exacerbated by global warming.
