Nearly half of the 266 fatalities caused by unusually heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan were children, officials revealed on Friday. The tragic deaths have been attributed to flash floods, lightning strikes, building collapses, and drownings, with children being particularly vulnerable during the ongoing school holidays.

Punjab, the country’s most populous province, has borne the brunt of the devastation, experiencing a 70% increase in rainfall compared to last year, according to officials from Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Agency.

National disaster authorities confirmed that since the monsoon season began on June 26, 126 of the 266 deaths were children. In addition to the fatalities, hundreds have been injured.

Typically, the heaviest monsoon rains hit in August, but this year, the impact has been unusually severe early in the season. Officials have warned that rainfall is expected to intensify next month.

In the Gilgit-Baltistan region, a landslide triggered by torrential rains swept away multiple cars this week, adding to the devastation. The region, known for its scenic beauty, also witnessed the tragic death of 13 tourists in late June due to flash floods.