With 93 dead, Met Office warns of more rains, flash floods

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: The Met Office predicted widespread rains and flash floods in the country on Thursday, with Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Eastern Balochistan and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir receiving heavy showers.

With 93 people dead across Pakistan in various rain and flood related incidents, the weather will continue wreaking havoc in the country.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to keep him informed on hourly basis about the flood situation.
He further directed the NDMA to pro-actively coordinate with the provincial and district authorities and extend them maximum assistance, wherever it is needed.

Urban, flash floods expected

In its weather advisory, the Met Office said that scattered rain-thunder shower with isolated heavy falls are also expected in Sindh during the said period.

The metrological department warned that heavy rains would generate urban and flash floods in vulnerable areas of the country.

High risk of flash flooding in the local streams and storm water drains of Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Peshawar, Hazara, Mardan, D.G.Khan, D.I khan, Zhob, Sibi, Naseerabad, Kalat divisions and Kashmir on Wednesday and Thursday has also been predicted.

The Met Office further advised concerened authorities to remain on high alert on Wednesday and Thursday.

Death toll increases

A total of 93 persons have so far died in the recent rains and floods, with many losing their lives in drowning, roof collapse and electrocution incidents, according to the data shared by NDMA on Wednesday.

The NDMA further stated that 94 people sustained injuries.

Eighteen people have died in Punjab, 21 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 22 in Sindh, 16 in Balochistan, 12 in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and four in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir according to the data shared by NDMA.

Likewise, 65 persons sustained injuries in Punjab, 13 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 10 in Sindh, two in Balochistan and four in AJK due to flash flooding.

KP governor for disaster management

Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Engineer Shaukatullah directed Political Agents of Tribal Agencies and FATA Disaster Management Authority to ensure adequate pre-cautionary and safety measures in wake of expected rains and floods.

Furthermore, he had issued orders for the cancellation of leaves of all officials and workers in the concerned offices.