Heavy Monsoon Rains Wreak Havoc Nationwide
Since June 26, Pakistan has experienced a devastating monsoon season that has claimed the lives of at least 657 people and left 929 injured, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The toll has affected all segments of the population, with 392 men, 171 children, and 94 women among the deceased. The NDMA attributed these casualties to torrential monsoon rains, flash floods, and related hazards, underscoring the grave impact of extreme weather events across the nation.
Breakdown of Casualties: Men, Women, and Children
The NDMA’s detailed report reveals the widespread impact of the monsoon disaster. Men have suffered the highest fatalities at 392, but the loss of 171 children and 94 women highlights the vulnerability of families caught in the path of the relentless rains and floods. Among the injured, men again form the largest group with 437 cases, but the 256 children and 236 women injured point to the far-reaching consequences for households.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: The Worst-Hit Province
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) stands as the most affected region, bearing the brunt of the monsoon’s fury. The province has reported 390 deaths, including 288 men, 59 children, and 43 women. KP also leads in reported injuries, with 245 hurt—161 men, 45 children, and 39 women. The scale of loss in KP reflects the province’s exposure to mountainous terrain and vulnerable settlements frequently at risk during heavy rains.
Punjab: High Child Casualty Rate
Punjab has registered 164 deaths since the onset of the monsoon, with children making up the largest segment of victims. The 70 children lost in Punjab constitute a tragic narrative, complemented by the deaths of 63 men and 31 women. Injuries in Punjab are also significant, with 582 people affected, including 225 men, 182 women, and 175 children. The high number of child casualties underlines the critical need for targeted safety interventions for younger populations during such disasters.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Challenging Terrain, Significant Losses
In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), at least 32 people have lost their lives, including 18 men, 6 women, and 8 children. The region also saw 31 injuries—27 men, 3 children, and 1 woman. The difficult mountainous terrain of GB often complicates rescue and relief operations, making the impact of such disasters even more severe.
Sindh: Children Among the Majority of Victims
Sindh province reported 28 deaths, notably 14 children, along with 10 men and 4 women. The number of injuries stands at 40, heavily skewed towards children (27 injured), with 7 men and 6 women also affected. The repeated losses in the province highlight persistent vulnerabilities, especially for children in both rural and urban settings.
Balochistan: Disproportionate Impact on Children
Balochistan has confirmed 20 fatalities, including 11 children, 5 men, and 4 women. The injured in the province number only 4, including 2 men, 1 woman, and 1 child. The higher proportion of child casualties is a concerning pattern, likely influenced by the province’s dispersed communities and limited access to emergency support.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Even Distribution of Tragedy
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) reported 15 deaths, with an even split among men, women, and children (5 each). The region also saw 24 injuries, with 15 men, 6 women, and 3 children affected. This even distribution reflects the indiscriminate nature of natural disasters, impacting all demographics.
Islamabad: Capital Not Spared
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) reported 8 deaths, including 4 children, 3 men, and 1 woman. The injuries reported in the capital were 3 in total, comprising 2 children and 1 woman. Even the federal capital, often seen as more shielded, has not been immune to the destructive monsoon.
NDMA’s Response and Ongoing Operations
The NDMA emphasized its ongoing coordination with provincial authorities to intensify relief and rescue operations in the worst-hit areas. The agency is working to provide aid, evacuate vulnerable populations, and restore essential services as much as possible. The disaster has once again highlighted the necessity for proactive disaster management, improved infrastructure, and community awareness to mitigate future losses.
