Devastating Unseasonal Rainfall Claims Over 100 Lives in Pakistan and Afghanistan
In a tragic turn of events, unseasonal rainfall has pummeled Pakistan and Afghanistan, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of more than 100 individuals in both countries, as confirmed by authorities.
Afghanistan’s Grim Toll
Heavy rain and floods have wreaked havoc in 23 provinces of Afghanistan, resulting in the death of 66 people and injuring 36 others, according to preliminary reports from Mullah Janan Sayeq, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Disaster Management. Additionally, 600 animals perished, and over 1,200 houses suffered either complete or partial destruction due to the deluge.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan reported that more than 1,200 families have been impacted, with close to 1,000 houses sustaining damage. Furthermore, an estimated 63,000 acres of land have been ravaged by the relentless rains, with the UN and its partners actively engaging in assessing the aftermath and providing necessary assistance.
Pakistan’s Suffering
The neighboring country of Pakistan has not been spared from the wrath of the ongoing severe rain, with 32 casualties reported in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and an additional eight deaths in the southwestern province of Balochistan, as per provincial authorities.
Nearly 170 houses were completely obliterated, while over 1,250 others suffered partial damage. The country’s meteorological office has issued warnings of further rainfall in Balochistan, extending to other regions of Pakistan in the coming days.
Climate Crisis Amplifies Impact
Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, stands as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally. The country has endured extreme climate conditions, from record heatwaves to catastrophic floods that submerged a significant portion of the nation in 2022, highlighting the dire consequences of the escalating climate crisis.
The relentless downpours, occurring at an unusual time of the year, underscore the urgency of addressing climate change and its devastating impact on vulnerable regions like Pakistan and Afghanistan. The toll of lives lost and infrastructure damaged serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for global action to combat the worsening climate crisis. – CNN
