Islamabad, July 8(HS): In Pakistan, the onset of monsoon rains has resulted in 19 fatalities across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. The National Emergency Operations Center has warned of continued heavy rainfall and potential flooding until July 10. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and related officials to stay vigilant for emergencies, particularly flooding.

Reports indicate that seven of the deceased were from Balochistan, where 22 districts have been impacted, leading to the damage of 22 houses and the destruction of five. The Washuk district has faced significant effects, including loss of crops and displacement of residents. In addition, rain-related incidents in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have led to at least six drownings, including three children. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also reported six deaths across the districts of Malakand, Buner, Mansehra, and Karak.

The Prime Minister has raised concerns about the potential worsening of the situation due to the operation of the Tarbela Dam spillway, with rising water levels anticipated in major rivers like the Kabul, Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, along with tributaries like Swat and Panjkora.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar