Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider, announced on Saturday that this year’s monsoon season has been 50% more harsh than usual, with three additional rain spells expected before September ends.
During a press conference in Islamabad, he emphasized the severe effect of climate change on Pakistan, citing widespread damage in Buner, Bajaur, and Battagram. He mentioned that Babusar in Gilgit-Baltistan is among the hardest-hit regions, while damage assessments are still underway in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also mentioned that Islamabad experienced a cloudburst earlier in the day.
The NDMA chief said that full surveys will be conducted in flood-affected areas, and relief efforts including the distribution of food supplies, are underway.
He stated that efforts are being made to restore communication with isolated areas, with the help of the military in rescuing stranded individuals. Acting on the prime minister’s instructions, relief packages are being distributed, and search operations for missing persons are in process.
Lt. Gen. Haider highlighted that the destruction in the northern regions is a direct result of climate change, alerting that areas in northern Punjab and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could experience even harsh rainfall soon. He ensured that the NDMA, in coordination with other government bodies, will continue recovery work and provide timely updates to mitigate further losses.
According to the NDMA’s latest report, 151 people have lost their lives in the past 24 hours, 144 of them in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The victims include 124 men, 16 women, and 11 children, bringing the total death toll this monsoon season from rain-related incidents to 645 around the country.
