Rain that triggered flash floods continued to hit northern Pakistan on Wednesday (31/7), sweeping through areas, causing landslides and killing at least 35 people within 48 hours, according to local officials and residents.
Torrential rains caused disaster in large parts of the scenic Chitral district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where heavy rainfall and flash floods washed away houses, bridges and livestock, and cut off access to dozens of villages.
Heavy rain also triggered landslides, caused mud flows, and caused large rocks to fall from cliffs, blocking a number of highways at various points.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, 19 people died and 15 others were injured in different places in the province related to the rain within 48 hours.
It was reported that 11 family members drowned when rainwater submerged the basement of a house in Kohat district on Tuesday (30/7).
Meanwhile, eight other people lost their lives after being struck by lightning in the southern Thar desert on the same day.
Meanwhile, hundreds of tourists were trapped for two days as the main bridge connecting the famous tourist destinations of Kaghan and Naran was cut off due to being swept away by flash floods.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains and flooding across the country, including major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, from August 2 to 6.
The National Disaster Management Authority, a state-run agency that coordinates between various aid and rescue agencies, has asked authorities to remain alert and take necessary measures to prevent human and infrastructure losses due to possible rains.
The rainy season that occurs from July to August has long caused damage throughout the South Asian country. However, its intensity and uncertainty have increased in recent years, especially due to climate change.