Rescue efforts continue in Pakistan as search operations for 150 missing individuals face diminishing hopes for survival.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in northwestern Pakistan, where over 150 individuals remain unaccounted for following devastating landslides and flash floods that struck the region on Friday. The torrential rains, part of the monsoon season, have resulted in at least 344 fatalities and significant destruction, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which has endured the brunt of the disaster.
The provincial government reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced 317 of the confirmed deaths, with the Buner district alone accounting for at least 208 casualties. In a heartbreaking development, authorities indicated that between 10 to 12 villages were partially buried under mud and debris, heightening concerns for those missing. Asfandyar Khattak, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, emphasized the dire situation, noting that many victims could be trapped beneath the rubble or swept away by floodwaters.
Efforts to locate and rescue missing individuals have been hampered by persistent rainfall, which has made access challenging for approximately 2,000 rescue workers deployed across nine districts. Bilal Ahmad Faizi, a spokesman for the provincial rescue agency, conveyed the grim reality of the situation: while the operation continues, hopes for survivors buried under debris are dwindling.
On Sunday afternoon, power was restored to affected areas following days of outages caused by the flooding. Many roads remained obstructed, prompting local villagers to assist in clearing fallen trees and debris to facilitate rescue operations. The provincial government has officially declared several mountainous districts, including Buner, Bajaur, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, and Battagram, as disaster-hit areas.
In a show of solidarity, Iran has expressed its readiness to extend support and assistance to Pakistan as it copes with the aftermath of this calamity. Meanwhile, expressions of sympathy have emerged globally, including a prayer from Pope Leo XIV, who offered solace for all affected by the devastation.
The ongoing monsoon season is critical for South Asia, providing the majority of the region’s annual rainfall essential for agriculture and food security. However, it also brings the threat of destruction. Lieutenant General Inam Haider, chair of the national disaster agency, noted that the current monsoon season’s intensity has significantly surpassed last year’s levels, with predictions for additional monsoon spells stretching into early September.
Pakistan, which faces a heightened vulnerability to climate change, has endured more than 650 fatalities related to extreme weather events this season, with over 920 individuals injured. As the country confronts these severe challenges, the resilience and solidarity of its communities continue to shine through the difficult times.
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