Disaster authorities in Pakistan report that 20 people have died as a result of recent flooding and heavy rain in Sindh and Punjab provinces.
In their situation report of 01 September, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said that floods in Karachi, Sindh Province, from 30 August, have left 15 people dead, 4 injured and 16 houses damaged. At least 11 deaths have been attributed to electrocution after rising flood waters came into contact with live cables.
Teams from NDMA, Army and Navy were called in to help with rescue, relief and clean up efforts. NDMA have distributed tents and pumping equipment.
In Jhang district, Punjab Province, 5 victims died on 30 August when a house collapsed after a period of heavy rain. Four other people were injured. As many as 16 other houses also suffered damage.
Rainfall
In a 24 hour period between 31 August to 01 September Karachi recorded 83 mm of rain, according to NDMA reports. Other significant rainfall figures include: Jhelum (Punjab) 62 mm, Khanpur (Punjab) 46 mm and Sahiwal (Punjab) 43 mm.
NDMA said that all rivers were flowing at normal levels, including in Karachi. NDMA described the recent flooding in Karachi as “urban flooding” and was the result of heavy rain overpowering city drainage systems.
Monsoon Death Toll Rises
NDMA says that as many as 157 people have died and 166 injured in flooding since 26 June, 2017, considered to be the start of this year’s monsoon in Pakistan.
Featured image: Street floods in Punjab, Pakistan. For illustration purposes only.
