At least 50 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the country over the past three days, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of more widespread heavy rains and potential flooding in several regions till July 5.
The fatalities — reported from various parts of the country — were caused by roof collapses, electrocution, and flash floods, as pre-monsoon downpours continue to lash urban and rural areas alike.
In its latest advisory, the Met Office said a strong monsoon system is likely to affect most parts of the country starting Sunday, triggering heavy rainfall in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Islamabad, and the Potohar region.
The department warned of urban flooding in major cities including Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Karachi, Peshawar and Islamabad, while low-lying areas in districts like Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum could experience inundation due to excessive rain.
Upper KP regions such as Hazara, Malakand, Charsadda and Nowshera have also been put on high alert for possible river flooding and landslides.
In response to the developing situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed relevant authorities to expedite precautionary measures and ensure preparedness to deal with emergencies.
Local administrations have begun evacuations in vulnerable areas and are coordinating with relief agencies for rescue operations.
Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. It faces increasing instances of extreme weather events including heatwaves, droughts and unpredictable monsoons.
Experts link the country’s growing climate volatility to global warming, noting that erratic weather patterns have become more frequent and severe. The devastating floods of 2022, triggered by heavy monsoon rains and melting glaciers, killed over 1,700 people and caused damage estimated at over $33 billion.
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