President, PM Urge Urgent Rescue as Monsoon Death Toll Hits 242

ISLAMABAD — President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to expedite rescue and rehabilitation efforts as devastating monsoon rains claimed 21 more lives in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide death toll to 242 since the beginning of the season.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the fatalities were caused by flash floods, collapsing houses, drowning, electrocution, lightning strikes, and landslides. The deceased included 12 children, six men, and three women, with six others injured.

In the last 24 hours alone, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 10 deaths, Islamabad five, Sindh two, Gilgit-Baltistan three, and Azad Kashmir one. Meanwhile, 50 houses were destroyed and eight livestock animals perished.

Since the onset of the monsoon, 598 people have been injured and 854 houses damaged. Punjab has seen the highest number of casualties, with 135 dead and 470 injured. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported 56 deaths, followed by Sindh with 24, Balochistan with 16, Islamabad with six, Gilgit-Baltistan with three, and Azad Kashmir with two.

In separate statements, the president and the prime minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and called on federal and provincial authorities to intensify relief operations. PM Shehbaz instructed the NDMA to maintain constant coordination with provincial departments and ensure the provision of emergency support.

He also directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) to accelerate the restoration of flood-affected highways and roads.

Red Alert in Twin Cities

Heavy rains have led to a significant rise in the water level of the Swan River, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Emergency teams have been placed on high alert and are preparing rescue gear in anticipation of further flooding.

PMD Issues Flash Flood Warning

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted further rain, wind, and thunderstorms in northern regions, including Kashmir, KP, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan through July 23.

Read more: PMDC Imposes 3-Year Ban on New Medical Colleges; MDCAT Scheduled Nationwide on Oct 5

The department has warned of possible flash floods in hill torrents and urban flooding in major cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Peshawar. Landslides are also expected in hilly areas of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow safety advisories as more intense weather is expected in the coming days.