ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Chief of Army Staff have taken action to assess the situation in areas affected by recent floods. Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have visited Swat and are now in Buner to evaluate the damages and immediate needs of the affected population. A new wave of monsoon rains has impacted southern cities in Pakistan, including Karachi, paralyzing the major city. Local media reports indicate that all main roads and underpasses have experienced severe flooding, electricity has been cut off, and urban infrastructure has been damaged. According to the Express Tribune, at least eight people have died in rain-related incidents, including electrocutions and collapses of concrete structures in Karachi. The National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan has reported that over 20 individuals have lost their lives due to the recent monsoon rains. The Sindh provincial government has declared a public holiday, urging citizens to avoid travel as water levels have risen several feet in many areas, including Malir, echoing the devastating rains of 2022. The heavy rainfall in recent days has also affected the northern regions of Pakistan, causing widespread damage. Recent statistics indicate that in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 350 people have died due to the rains and flooding, with 228 of those fatalities reported from Buner. International sources note that since June, natural disasters such as floods have resulted in over 700 deaths and displaced more than 25,000 individuals to safer areas. Reuters has reported that the death toll from the recent flooding has surpassed 360.
