Monsoon Menace: Pakistan Struggles with Floods and Landslides

Pakistan faces increased risk of monsoon-triggered glacial lake outburst floods and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as scattered rain and thunderstorms are predicted. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif distributes relief funds and calls for an advanced weather alert system amid significant casualties and infrastructural damages.

Pakistan is on high alert as the meteorological department warns of an increased risk of monsoon-triggered floods and landslides in the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Scattered rain, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy falls are expected throughout the week, heightening vulnerability to natural disasters.

The ongoing assault of flash floods and torrential rains has claimed 299 lives, including 140 children, with more than 700 others injured since late June. The Gilgit-Baltistan area in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir bore the brunt, facing severe infrastructure damage and tourist casualties. The NDMA reports significant impacts from a major flash flood on July 21.

In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the affected regions, pledging Rs 4 billion for disaster preparedness. He emphasized the need for an advanced weather alert system at tourist locations and initiated a 100-megawatt solar project to augment the response. NDMA is instructed to map damages and report findings as mitigation efforts continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)