Flash floods claim nearly 1,000 lives across Pakistan; armed forces deployed

Heavy rains and flash floods have wreaked havoc in different parts of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan and Punjab, claiming nearly 1,000 lives and causing great financial loss due to damages to property, crops and others.

Nearly 1,500 people sustained injuries, whereas, the highest death toll was reported in Sindh followed by Balochistan. Sindh reported over 300 deaths due to floods, over 230 in Balochistan, over 190 in KP, more than 160 in Punjab and nine deaths in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region.

Terrifying photos and videos were surfacing from the flood-affected areas of all provinces, highlighting the miseries of the nationals trapped in floods. The federal and provincial governments have started large-scale rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit areas.

Charsadda flooding made headlines after a high flood level hit the population.

Social welfare organisations once again came in to take part in relief and rescue activities in the flood-hit parts of the country.

An absolute epitome of courage and true spirit of bravery shown by #AlkhidmatVolunteers while rescuing a terrified soul from this dreadful flood in Swat, KPK.#AlkhidmatFloodRelief #FloodsInPakistan pic.twitter.com/SwHUE6qIy2

— Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan (@AlkhidmatOrg) August 26, 2022

🔴#Breaking: Coffer dam and Mohmand Dam breached,water has entered Under construction tunnels.#SwatFloods #FloodsInPakistan pic.twitter.com/YAlU7J87Um

— PakWeather.com (@Pak_Weather) August 26, 2022

I urge international community to help #Pakistan in one of the worst natural calamities to hit the country. Millions of people are homeless across #Sindh #Balochistan and #SouthPunjab due to floods and in need of tents, packaged food and medicines #FloodsInPakistan pic.twitter.com/1z3iil5bJe

— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) August 24, 2022

Military deployment

Yesterday, the federal government announced the deployment of armed forces in all four provinces to assist the civilian authorities in rescue and relief operations in flood-affected areas.

the interior ministry has issued the notification for the deployment of the armed forces in all four provinces of the country. The armed would assist the civilian administrations in carrying out relief and rescue operations.

The deployment has been authorized at the provinces’ requests, the notification read. The forces have been deployed under Article 245 of the constitution, it added.

Flood Warning

The latest hydro-meteorological conditions and releases from Tarbela Dam, River Indus at Kalabagh and Chashma may attain ‘high to very high’ flood level ranging between 550,000 cuses to 700,000 cusecs from August 27 to 28.

In view of the above situation, all concerned authorities are advised to remain alert and take all necessary precautionary measures well in time to avoid loss of life and property, according to the NDMA.

PMD daily weather forecast

Synoptic Situation

Weak monsoon currents are penetrating southeastern parts of the country. A westerly wave is also affecting western and upper parts of the country.

Saturday

Hot and humid weather is likely to prevail over most plain areas of the country. However, rain-wind/thundershower is expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Balochistan, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and northeast Punjab. Isolated heavy falls are also likely in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ( Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Koshistan), Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan during the period.

Sunday

Hot and humid weather is likely to prevail over most plain areas of the country. However, rain-wind/thundershower is expected in northeast Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

Past 24-Hour Weather

Rain-wind/thundershower occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, northeast Balochistan, Punjab, Gilgit Baltistan, and upper Sindh.

Rainfall (mm): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Malam Jabba 58, Kalam 43, Dir (Lower 42, Upper 22), Parachinar, Saidu Sharif 35, Pattan 24, Chitral 22, Drosh 20, Kakul 13, Mir Khani 12, Balakot, Bannu 09, Cherat 08, Mardan 03, Kashmir: Garhi Dupatta 52, Muzaffarabad (Airport 19, City 04), Kotli 10, Rawalakot 05, Balochistan: Quetta (Samungli 43, PBO 13), Mastung 17, Sibbi 16, Barkhan 03, Punjab: Sargodha 23 , Rahim Yar Khan 17, Noorpur Thal 11, Murree 08, Lahore (Airport 08, Tajpura, Mughalpura 05, Chowk Nakhuda 04, Upper Mall 01), Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin 03, Khanpur, Joharabad 02, Gilgit-Baltistan : Bagrote 21, Babusar 16, Gilgit 15, Bunji 13, Astore 07, Chillas 05, Sindh: Padidan 06, Larkana 03 and Mohenjodaro 01.
Yesterday’s Recorded Highest Maximum Temperature’s (°C): Turbat , Nokkundi 38 and Bahawalnagar 36.