Local authorities reported on Thursday that over 50 people have died in the past 24 hours due to heavy rainfall in Pakistan, bringing the total death toll to approximately 180 since the onset of the summer monsoon at the end of June.
“Within the last 24 hours, 54 individuals have lost their lives, and 227 have been injured across the country, with the Punjab province recording the highest number of casualties,” a spokesperson from the Disaster Management Authority stated to the media.
The meteorological service has issued warnings about a high risk of intense rainfall and possible flash floods in the next 48 hours.
Authorities in Rawalpindi, located 15-20 km from the capital Islamabad, declared Thursday a public holiday to encourage residents to stay indoors.
“Residents in high-risk areas are advised to prepare emergency kits containing food, water, and medications sufficient for three to five days,” they recommended.
Following the flooding of a river that runs through the city, residents have also been urged to evacuate their homes.
According to the spokesperson from the Disaster Management Authority, approximately 180 people, including 70 children, have died, and around 500 have been injured since the start of the summer monsoon at the end of June.
