Monsoon rains and floods claim 46 lives in Pakistan

The National Disaster Management Authority and provincial emergency authorities reported that heavy rains in Pakistan have led to the deaths of 46 people. The fatalities include 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 13 in Punjab, seven in Sindh, and four in Balochistan. The rains began on Tuesday and are part of a week-long period of monsoon rains and flash floods.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued alerts for above-normal rains during the monsoon season and urged precautionary measures. There are concerns about potential severe weather events similar to the devastating floods in 2022 that affected a large part of the country.

Among the recent casualties are 13 members of a family who were swept away by the flooding Swat River. Rescuers have recovered 12 bodies, with efforts ongoing to find the final missing person. Criticism has been directed at the perceived slow response of emergency services following the incident.

Authorities have cautioned against crossing rivers and streams due to potential hazards. The situation remains challenging as the region copes with the aftermath of the heavy rains and floods.