By 
06-08-2024
Hasom Jang
Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence
Heavy rains have caused catastrophic floods across Pakistan, leading to multiple fatalities, extensive infrastructure damage, and severe disruption to daily life. In Mohmand and South Waziristan districts, the downpour claimed two lives. An eight-year-old child named Ishaq Khan drowned in Khwezai tehsil, while 20-year-old Irfan was swept away in Pandiali tehsil. The rain has also damaged communication links and crops in areas including Atokhel, Haider Kor, Chamarkand, Iqrab Dag, Halimzai, and Babikhel.
Agriculture, a vital sector in these regions, has been severely impacted, with floodwaters inundating vegetable fields and other crops. Infrastructure has also suffered, with numerous houses damaged and roads rendered impassable. The Chagmalai-Tangi Road in Upper South Waziristan remained closed due to landslides. Assistant Commissioner Suhail confirmed that machinery had been dispatched to clear the roads. In Lower South Waziristan, similar disruptions occurred, and the Wana-Gomal Zam Road in Sheenkai was blocked by landslides but later reopened.
Nationwide, the impact has been devastating. In the past 24 hours, 22 people have died and many others were injured. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) reported the highest casualties. Nine people died in KP, including four who drowned in Karak city. Balochistan saw 12 fatalities in a single day, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) recording multiple incidents of cloudbursts, lightning strikes, and flash floods, resulting in 32 injuries and damage to 263 houses. Torrential rains caused significant flooding in low-lying areas like Mirpur Khas and Dadu, where cracks appeared on newly constructed bridges. High-level flooding was also reported in the Gaj and Sol rivers.
Other affected areas in Balochistan, including Chaman, Sibi, Toba Achakzai, and Killa Abdullah, experienced inundated roads and low-lying areas. Tourist spots above the Ziarat Valley were also affected by heavy rainfall.
In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued warnings of high to very high levels of flash flooding in Balochistan and southwestern Punjab. The NDMA has instructed relevant departments to take precautionary measures. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted continued heavy rains with strong winds in multiple districts until August 6, further heightening the flood risk.
The monsoon season, contributing 70 to 80 percent of South Asia’s annual rainfall, has been particularly severe this year. Global organisations like the United Nations recognise Pakistan as highly vulnerable to extreme weather and climate change. The current situation echoes the catastrophic floods of 2022, which resulted in over 1,700 deaths and displaced millions.
As Pakistan deals with these devastating floods, the focus remains on rescue and relief efforts. The loss of life, extensive property damage, and ongoing threat of further rainfall highlight the urgent need for effective disaster management and climate resilience strategies. The government, along with national and international organisations, must collaborate to provide immediate relief and develop long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future.
References and Further Readings
Dawn.com. Report, D. (07:23:40+05:00). Two die as flash floods hit Mohmand, Waziristan. Retrieved 6 August 2024, <https://www.dawn.com/news/1850320>.
Geo TV. At least 22 dead as torrential rains lash parts of country. August 4, 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024, <https://www.geo.tv/latest/557505-at-least-22-dead-as-torrential-rains-lash-parts-of-country>.
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