Devendra Kumar
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province in northern Pakistan, is reeling from the aftermath of heavy rains and glacier melting, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert. The situation has taken a dire turn, with 46 lives lost, including 25 children, over the past five days. Moreover, 2,875 houses and 26 schools have been damaged or destroyed, leaving many homeless and without shelter.
The local disaster management authority has sounded the alarm, warning that if timely safety measures are not taken, the situation could spiral out of control, resulting in widespread loss of life and property. Muhammed Qaiser Khan, the authority’s spokesperson, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stressing the need for prompt action to ensure safety.
The province is already struggling with limited resources, and if the rains persist, it may have to seek assistance from the central government. The current situation is a grim reminder of the devastating monsoon season of 2022, which ravaged over a third of the country and claimed the lives of 1,739 people.
Experts attribute the extreme weather conditions to climate change, which is leading to heavier rainfall, melting glaciers, and more frequent and intense floods. The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is particularly alarming, as the melting of glaciers is expected to worsen the flood situation.
Despite the urgency of the situation, many people are advised to relocate to safer areas ahead of any potential danger. The monsoon season, which typically begins in June, has gotten off to a disastrous start this year, leaving the country bracing for the worst. Authorities are urging people to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety, but the severity of the situation is starkly apparent.