ISLAMABAD:Monsoon rains in Pakistan have been linked to more than 110 deaths including dozens of children since they arrived in late June, according to government figures released Monday.
Data from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) between June 26 and July 14 showed that electrocution was the leading cause of fatalities, followed by flash floods.
In late June, at least 13 tourists were swept to their deaths while sheltering from flash floods on a raised river bank.
In its latest report, the disaster agency said 111 people including 53 children have been killed, with the highest number of deaths in the most populous province of Punjab.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted heavy rains from July 15 to 17 as a low-pressure area (LPA) presently located over northwest Madhya Pradesh, India, is expected to affect Pakistan during the next 24 to 72 hours.
The PMD stated in a statement that under the influence of this weather system, strong monsoon currents are expected to penetrate the central and upper parts from July 15 to 17.
“A westerly wave is also present over the upper parts of the country,” it added. Due to these meteorological conditions:
The weather department forecast very heavy rainfalls coupled with rain-wind and thundershowers in parts of Kashmir, and isolated heavy falls in Gilgit-Baltistan from July 14 to 17, with occasional gaps.
It also predicted “very heavy to extremely heavy” rains in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 14 night to 17.