Rescue operations in north-western Pakistan have recovered numerous bodies from collapsed homes, escalating the death toll to at least 274 due to recent catastrophic flooding. Authorities report that as of now, they do not require foreign assistance to manage the crisis. Heavy rainfall has also impacted the neighbouring region of Kashmir, claiming additional lives.
Mohammad Suhail, a spokesperson for the emergency services, disclosed that 54 bodies were retrieved from Buner, where torrential rains and cloudbursts caused severe flooding on Friday. Search efforts continue as many villagers remain unaccounted for. The urgent focus is on areas where torrents of water have devastated homes, with substantial debris complicating rescue efforts.
In light of further rain and potential landslides expected until Tuesday, officials are urging local administrations to stay vigilant. This year’s monsoon season has seen rainfall exceed last year’s levels by 50 per cent, contributing to over 600 casualties nationwide since June.
In regions like India-administered Kashmir, the heavy rains have turned deadly, resulting in the deaths of seven people in Kathua. There, rescuers are actively searching for missing individuals following flash floods that struck during a religious pilgrimage, killing at least 60 and injuring around 150.
Communities in Buner have accused local officials of failing to provide timely evacuation warnings, a crucial oversight in flood-prone areas. The government, however, has defended its early warning systems, blaming the intensity and suddenness of the downpour for the lack of alerts.
LieutenGeneral Inam Haider, chair of the National Disaster Management Authority, attributed the unusual weather patterns to climate change, highlighting how monsoon rains are becoming more extreme. He warned of the continuing potential for severe weather throughout the month.
Although several countries have offered assistance, officials assert that Pakistan currently possesses adequate resources for its recovery efforts. The technology in use for early warnings relies on satellite imagery and meteorological data, yet it has limitations in predicting the exact timing of sudden rain bursts. Locals express frustration over the delays in warnings, emphasising that timely alerts could have saved lives.
The impact of the floods has been devastating, with reports of entire families perishing, such as in Qadar Nagar, where 24 people lost their lives in a single incident. Volunteers and emergency services are working tirelessly to provide relief, yet recovery will take time.
Pakistan is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, with past monsoons resulting in significant casualties and destruction. Experts are highlighting the stark reality that, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Pakistan faces the harsh consequences of climate change, including extreme weather events that threaten its communities.