At least six people were killed and five others injured in the past 24 hours due to relentless monsoon rains, pushing Pakistan’s overall death toll to 258, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported on Thursday. The latest fatalities included three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two in Islamabad, and one in Sindh, adding to the growing humanitarian crisis triggered by the severe weather spell.
Children Among Most Affected
The NDMA’s data revealed that 123 children were among the deceased, alongside 89 men and 46 women. Injuries were equally distressing, with 203 children, 243 men, and 170 women harmed. The rains have also caused widespread infrastructure damage, destroying 1,027 houses and killing 364 livestock animals since the monsoon began.
Punjab Bears the Brunt
Punjab remains the hardest-hit region with 139 deaths and 477 injuries, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (60 deaths) and Sindh (24 deaths). Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir reported fewer casualties but face significant property losses. House collapses (143 deaths) were the deadliest hazard, followed by flash floods (41), drownings (36), and lightning strikes (13).
Tragic Rescue Attempt in Babusar Top
In one of the most devastating incidents, a cloudburst triggered a flash flood at Babusar Top, sweeping away a family attempting to save a three-year-old boy, Abdul Hadi. Dr. Mishal, who jumped into the raging waters to rescue the child, also perished. The NDMA has issued urgent advisories, urging citizens to avoid risky movements and stay alert as the monsoon persists.