ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s government is taking urgent steps to protect citizens after heavy monsoon rains claimed 190 lives across the country since late June.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that all available resources were being utilized to ensure public safety. He shared the update on Thursday, as the number of rain-related deaths continued to rise. “Rescue teams are on alert, drains are being cleared, and all resources are being mobilized,” Naqvi posted on the social media platform X.
He urged people to stay cautious and follow safety instructions during the ongoing rainfall.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also visited the National Emergencies Operation Center at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). He directed officials to create a joint plan to deal with increasing risks from cloudbursts, flash floods, and heavy monsoon showers.
According to the NDMA, Punjab has been the worst-affected province with 103 deaths. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has reported 38 deaths, Sindh 20, Balochistan 16, and Azad Kashmir 1 since June 26.
The NDMA said widespread thunderstorms with isolated heavy downpours are expected in multiple regions. These include the Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, and Sahiwal divisions. However, the ongoing wet spell is expected to subside by Saturday.
In Punjab’s Jhelum district, Army Aviation helicopters rescued 40 people from remote areas affected by floods. The government is also working with local rescue teams to help people trapped by rising waters.
Monsoon rains are vital for agriculture in South Asia, especially for millions of farmers in Pakistan. But changing weather patterns are making them more dangerous.
In 2022, record-breaking rains and melting glaciers caused widespread flooding, submerging large parts of the country. That disaster killed over 1,700 people and displaced more than 8 million.
This year, severe storms in May also claimed at least 32 lives. The government is now focused on saving lives and preventing another crisis.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are urging people to report any emergencies. Public awareness and quick response remain key in reducing further loss of life.
The NDMA has also issued a fresh warning about heavy rainfall and potential flooding across Pakistan. Read the full alert here: NDMA Warns of Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks Across Pakistan in Next 24 Hours
