Intense monsoon downpours in Pakistan claim nearly 400 lives, while over 6,900 individuals are successfully saved from the deluge.
Monsoon Disruption: Major Routes Closed, Thousands Affected in Pakistan
Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread disruption in Pakistan, with several key routes closed and thousands of people affected. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported over 700 deaths across the country this monsoon season, with 400 in northern Pakistan alone.
The NDMA has listed numerous damaged or closed bridges and roads in Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu, Ghizer, Hunza, and Astore. Major routes such as Shandur, Ishkoman, Gulmit in Gojal, Hoper in Nagar, and the Skardu-Kargil road in Kharmang district are currently closed, with no alternate routes available. Road blockages due to floods and landslides were reported at several points on the Karakoram Highway. The Astak Bridge on the Jaglot-Skardu road is partially open, while Baghecha in Skardu is damaged and has an unsafe temporary causeway.
In the north, over 6,900 people have been rescued during the monsoon rains, with at least 25,000 people rescued in the last four days. Over 6,300 people have received medical treatment. The travel advisory warns of road closures and damage in the country's north due to floods and landslides. Tourists are advised to avoid travel on vulnerable stretches of the Karakoram Highway and connecting routes.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a fresh alert for heavy monsoon rains across much of the province from Aug. 19-22. Severe thunderstorms are forecast in most districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, and Sialkot. The PDMA urges citizens to adopt precautionary measures during bad weather, stay in safe places during storms, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep children away from low-lying areas and electricity poles and wires.
In response to the disaster, eight units of the infantry and eight units of the FC are directly involved in search and rescue and flood relief operations. Logistics bases have been set up in Kanju and Daggar to supply food, tents, and medicines. In case of emergency, people are advised to call the PDMA helpline at 1129.
The German Foreign Office has issued a partial travel warning for northern Pakistan, especially for regions including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of the Karakorum Highway between Mansehra and the junction with Highway N15, due to flooding and landslides. As a result, sections of the Karakorum Highway are closed or damaged, and significant disruptions to travel infrastructure, including bridges, have occurred in these areas. The warning also affects access from and to neighboring Iran and Afghanistan by land.
The PDMA has directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain on alert in line with instructions from Punjab's chief minister. The PDMA has placed health, irrigation, communications, local government, and livestock departments on high alert. The PDMA has also warned of rising water levels in rivers and streams, flash flooding in hill torrents, and the risk of urban flooding in major cities.
Multiple locations along the Mingora-Swat road also experienced road blockages, while downpours are also expected in Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Rajanpur. Nearly 500 medical camps are operational in the affected area.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for citizens to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with disaster response efforts.
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