UPDATE: A new flood alert has been issued in southern Pakistan as severe weather continues to wreak havoc across the nation. Authorities warn that expected rain of up to 100 millimeters in the next 24 hours could lead to significant flooding in major cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. This comes as rescue teams in the north scramble to find nearly 150 missing persons after devastating floods killed hundreds.
The National Emergencies Operation Centre announced the alert on Wednesday, echoing the catastrophic floods of 2022 that took thousands of lives. The current situation is dire, with at least 41 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours alone, primarily affecting the Gilgit-Baltistan region and Karachi, where torrential rains have disrupted daily life and closed schools.
Rescue efforts in Buner are particularly grim, with the local disaster management agency confirming that the death toll has now reached 290. Floodwaters have swept through villages, carrying massive boulders and debris, leaving homes in ruins. Search teams, supported by army sniffer dogs, are continuing their efforts to locate missing individuals amid the rubble.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the affected areas on Wednesday alongside Field Marshal Asim Munir, the army chief. Sharif promised financial compensation for survivors and pledged swift repairs to infrastructure, urging residents to avoid building near riverbanks.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes of panic as floodwaters surged unexpectedly, overwhelming communities. Many locals have expressed frustration over the government’s failure to issue timely warnings, leaving them unprepared for the onslaught.
As the situation develops, rescue teams are actively distributing vital supplies, including tents, blankets, and clean drinking water, to the hard-hit regions. Roads in Buner are slowly being reopened, but the overall situation remains critical.
Authorities are advising all residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert as weather conditions worsen. The nation’s plight underscores the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies as the monsoon season continues to bring above-normal rainfall.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story unfolds.
