At least 70 people died in the last 48 hours when gracious monsoon rain continues to create destruction over Pakistan’s Punjab province and raised the total death toll to 123 since the end of June, Express News reported.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed widespread damage due to roof collapse, landslide and flash floods triggered by heavy rain.
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At least 462 people have been wounded since the beginning of the Monsun Trill Form on June 25, while several low-lying areas remain flooded.
The highest number of fatalities were registered on Friday with 10 deaths reported from Lahore, Chiniot, Okara, Chakwal and Sargodha.
Chiniot and Lahore each recorded three deaths, while Okara saw two and both Chakwal and Sargodha reported a mortality rate each.
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Chakwal remains the worst affected district, where intense rainfall has caused severe landslides and floods in local streams, displaced residents and harmful homes.
PDMA -Human Director Irfan Ali Kathia stated that more than 1,000 people have been rescued from the Pothohar region alone, including 450 from Rawalpindi, 398 from Jhelum and 209 from Chakwal.
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that a new spell with stormy rainfall is expected to begin from July 20.
Thunderstorms, floods and landslides are expected across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
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High flood levels are expected in the River Indus in Kalabagh and Chashma, causing authorities to issue high warnings and encourage local administrations to implement emergency plans.
District government has been asked to remain in standby, issue early warnings and prepare shelters for residents in vulnerable regions.
