At least 670 people have lost their lives and more than 1,000 others have been injured as relentless monsoon rains and flash floods continue to devastate parts of Pakistan, government officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, accompanied by DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, briefed the media at the NDMA headquarters on the unfolding crisis and ongoing rescue efforts.
According to the NDMA Chairman, much of the flooding has been triggered by glacial melt in the northern regions and cloudbursts in several areas. He confirmed that most of those earlier reported missing have now been found, though many were recovered dead. He also warned that the seventh spell of heavy monsoon rains is expected to peak by August 23, with authorities on high alert and contingency measures in place.
Relief and rescue efforts are being spearheaded by the NDMA, Pakistan Army, and provincial governments. Since August 17, more than 25,000 people have been rescued and shifted to safer locations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that relief operations be accelerated, with the third consignment of ration and medical supplies under the PM’s relief package already being dispatched to five districts.
DG ISPR said the Army Chief has instructed full mobilization of military resources for flood-hit areas. He reported that nine medical camps are operational, with CMH doctors and medical battalions deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where eight army units are engaged in relief work. Two additional battalions are active in Buner. Army Aviation is conducting aerial rescue operations, and so far, 6,903 people have been evacuated. Over 6,000 flood victims have already received aid.
Minister Tarar noted that urban flooding has caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. He stressed that the federal and provincial governments, in coordination with the military and NDMA, are pursuing a “comprehensive and unified strategy” to protect lives and property.
