Islamabad: In a recent monsoon rains across the country, more 5 individuals have lost their lives in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 221.
According to the latest update from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), heavy rains in the last 24 hours resulted in 5 fatalities and 10 injuries. Among the deceased are 2 men and 3 children.
The report indicates that, so far, heavy rains and related incidents have caused 221 deaths nationwide, with over 804 houses completely destroyed.
Punjab remains the most severely impacted province, with 135 fatalities and 470 injuries. In Punjab, 168 houses have suffered partial damage, while 24 have been fully destroyed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported 40 deaths and 69 injuries. In this region, 142 houses are partially damaged, and 78 are fully collapsed.
Sindh has experienced 22 fatalities and 40 injuries, with 54 houses partially damaged and 33 houses completely destroyed.
Balochistan has also been heavily affected, with 16 deaths and 4 injuries. The province has seen 56 houses partially damaged and 8 houses fully destroyed.
Gilgit-Baltistan recorded 3 injuries, with 71 houses partially damaged and 66 houses completely collapsed.
Azad Kashmir reported 1 death and 6 injuries, along with 75 houses partially damaged and 17 fully destroyed.
Islamabad also reported 1 fatality, with 35 houses damaged and one house completely collapsed.
The NDMA further reports that during the past 24 hours, an additional 5 lives were lost, including 3 children. Additionally, 25 houses have been demolished, and 5 livestock animals have died. To date, over 804 houses have been completely destroyed, and 200 livestock animals have perished.
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi is currently under a rain emergency, prompting the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to operate on high alert, according to MD WASA Muhammad Saleem Ashraf. Continuous monitoring of Nullah Lai is ongoing to assess the situation and ensure safety. At the Katarian point, the water level has reached 6 feet, while at Gawalmandi, it stands at 5 feet, as reported by MD WASA.
To manage the situation, heavy machinery and personnel have been deployed in low-lying areas to facilitate drainage and prevent flooding. The Meteorological Department has forecasted additional rainfall, prompting WASA to complete all necessary preparations for the expected weather conditions.
In response, Section 144 has been enforced in the city, banning bathing in rivers and streams to prevent accidents. Extra staff has been assigned to drainage operations in vulnerable areas, and all leave for WASA Rawalpindi personnel has been canceled to ensure maximum readiness. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing rains, MD WASA has assured that the overall city situation remains under control and there is no immediate threat.
