LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — The death toll from monsoon rains and flash flooding in Pakistan over the past month surpassed 100 on Monday as weather forecasters warned that more heavy rain is expected across the country later this week. Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority said 109 people have died nationwide since June 26. Many of the deaths were caused by collapsing houses and roofs, with nearly half reported in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province along the Afghan border.
The latest update came a day after the disaster management authority reviewed flood preparedness measures across the country. Officials discussed plans to issue timely warnings to communities living along rivers so residents can move to safer areas voluntarily or be evacuated before floodwaters inundate their communities. Last week, heavy rain lashed parts of the country, including Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital, where several neighborhoods were flooded, forcing commuters to take lengthy detours.
Images on social media showed residents wading through water. It drew criticism from residents, who questioned the government’s preparedness and response to extreme weather. Authorities in recent month have warned they cannot rule out a repeat of the extreme weather that triggered Pakistan’s devastating 2022 floods.
The disaster submerged about one-third of the country, killing 1,737 people and displacing millions. The eThekwini Municipality has warned residents of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to brace for severe weather and possible flooding after the South African Weather Service (Saws) issued a Level 4 disruptive rain warning, with heavy downpours and thundershowers. Adverse weather conditions are expected to batter the province from Tuesday through Wednesday.
Snowfall is also expected over high-lying areas and other parts of the province, with very cold conditions and disruptive rainfall also forecast. Precautions The municipality has urged residents to take immediate precautions following the Level 4 disruptive rain warning issued by Saws. “Forecasts indicate widespread disruptive rain across KwaZulu-Natal, with the eThekwini region expected to be significantly affected.
“Widespread scattered showers and thundershowers are anticipated, which poses a serious risk to life, property, and infrastructure,” it said. Flooding The municipality added that the disruptive rainfall may result in flooding in settlements, roads, bridges, and low-lying areas. “Poor visibility and slippery road surfaces are expected to make driving hazardous.
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