In the wake of intense monsoon rains, more than 200 people are missing in north-west Pakistan, raising fears as rescue teams face significant challenges in the search and recovery process amid widespread destruction.
Over 200 Individuals Remain Missing Amid Catastrophic Flooding in Pakistan
Over 200 Individuals Remain Missing Amid Catastrophic Flooding in Pakistan
Devastating monsoon floods have claimed over 300 lives in Pakistan, with many still unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue.
In the aftermath of catastrophic flooding in north-west Pakistan, over 200 individuals are reported missing in the Buner district, raising alarms regarding the extent of this environmental disaster. The recent torrential rains have resulted in over 300 fatalities across Pakistan and its administered regions, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province being the most severely hit.
Jehangir Khan, a spokesperson for the Buner deputy commissioner’s office, informed the BBC that at least 209 people are still unaccounted for in the district. The situation worsens as rescue teams are faced with the heartbreaking reality of having to bury eight unidentified bodies due to the absence of relatives able to retrieve them, a consequence of the severely damaged infrastructure.
Additional reports indicate that “10 to 12 entire villages” have been partially buried under debris, further complicating rescue and recovery operations. Asfandyar Khattak, leader of the provincial disaster management authority, mentioned that several missing persons are also reported in Shangla district.
The monsoon rain season, typically occurring from June to September, contributes around 75% of South Asia's annual precipitation. While flooding and landslides are alarmingly common during this period, scientists warn that these extreme weather events are intensifying due to climate change.
The situation has also impacted the Indian-administered Kashmir region, where heavy rains followed a recent incident that killed at least 60 people. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, nine fatalities have been reported this week, with five more in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Government officials forecast continued heavy rainfall in the north-west, declaring several areas as disaster zones. Since June, Pakistan has endured a devastating monsoon season, with at least 650 lives lost. Recent data reveals that Punjab province experienced a staggering 73% increase in rainfall compared to the previous year, leading to more deaths than the entirety of the last monsoon period.
Northern Pakistan, known for its glaciers, faces the peril of rapid glacial retreat attributed to climate change. This melting contributes to unstable geological conditions, amplifying the risks of landslides and flash floods, which can obstruct river systems. While investigations continue into the precise causes of the recent disasters, glaciologists emphasize that glacial melt serves as a significant factor.
