22 Dead as Flash Floods and Roof Collapses Ravage Pakistani Cities
At least 22 people, including women and children, lost their lives, and several others were injured as heavy rains triggered flash floods and roof collapses across Pakistan on Saturday. The devastating weather prompted the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue warnings about potential urban flooding in various cities, including Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal, over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The NDMA also raised alarms about possible medium to high-level flooding in the Chenab River and identified Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, and Multan as regions at heightened risk of urban flooding. In the mountainous areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, flash floods are expected to pose significant threats.
The torrential rains wreaked havoc in several provinces, with tragic incidents reported in various locations. In Sadiqabad, Punjab province, a four-year-old girl died, and her three family members were buried under rubble when their house’s roof collapsed. Faisalabad’s People’s Colony-II witnessed a similar tragedy where a woman died, and her husband was severely injured after their roof caved in. In Pindi Gheb, Attock, four family members lost their lives, and two others, including a child, were injured in another roof collapse.
Sindh province also faced the brunt of the relentless downpour. A woman in Baddani near Kashmore died instantly, while her five children sustained serious injuries after their house’s roof gave way. In Mehar, a 16-year-old girl, Naveeda Chandio, lost her life due to a roof collapse, and similar incidents in Jaccobabad and Larkana claimed more lives.
Balochistan province endured severe flooding as well, with flash floods disrupting daily life and damaging homes, shops, and crops. Districts like Zhob, Dera Bugti, Pishin, Ziarat, and Jafarabad were particularly affected, with roads submerged and communication systems disrupted. In Kohlu, floodwaters washed away the road connecting the city to Sibbi, suspending traffic for three consecutive days.
The ongoing rain and flooding continue to threaten more lives and property, with authorities on high alert for further incidents.
