Gilgit:
At least nine people have lost their lives as torrential rains continue to unleash floods and landslides in Gilgit-Baltist (GB), authorities confirmed on Friday, with more wounded dozens and the search still in progress for the dreaded.
According to GB government spokesman, Faizullah Faraq, the dead include two women and two children. “The number of people swept by the flood water could be around 12 to 14,” he said in a statement, he added that efforts were still underway to track the disappeared.
Faraq added that more than a dozen people had suffered injuries in the development disaster, while more than 300 tourists stranded in various parts of the region had been rescued so far.
When describing the destruction scale, Faraq said: “In total, more than 500 houses have been destroyed due to floods and have also destroyed about 12 kilometers of roads.”
In addition, he explained that 27 bridges and 22 vehicles had also been dragged, in addition to “innumerable stores, cattle sheds and wooden logs.”
He recognized the critical role played by the Pakistan army and the explorers of Gilgit-Baltistan in the rescue and search efforts, which are being carried out in extremely challenging conditions due to the persistent climate and the interruptions of the land.
With several cut areas, the authorities are now running to restore basic public services. “Efforts are also being made to provide water and electricity to thousands of people who are now deprived of these facilities as a result of damage to water and electricity supply networks,” said Faraq.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology of Pakistan (PMD) has predicted an intense activity of the monsoon in next week, warning about heavy rains in several regions of the country from July 27 to 31.
According to the weather office, the monsoon currents are gaining strength, with generalized downpours that are expected during the five -day spell.
The department has specifically warned that between July 27 and 30, sudden floods are probably in the rivers and seasonal rivers (Nullahs), particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, GB and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where rain is expected accompanied by strong winds.
From July 28 to July 31, it is likely that several districts in Punjab also receive rain with thunder and lightning, while the southern Punjab and parts of Baluchistan have also been put under a rainfall.
The department of MET has warned about urban floods in the main cities, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot, and advised travelers and tourists to have caution in the light of possible landslides in vulnerable regions.
He also warned that areas with weak infrastructure can face structural damage and interruptions due to the next climatic conditions.
Punjab monzón
The Provincial Disaster Authority (PDMA) of Punjab issued a new alert of the monsoon on Friday, predicting the fifth monsoon of monsoon in most of the parts of the province from July 28 to 31.
According to PDMA spokesman, generalized rain is expected during this period in the districts of Murree, Galiyat, Atock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala and Hafizabad.
Other districts that probably experience the rain include Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Nanowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Nankana Sahib, Chinint, Faisalabad and Okara.
The PDMA also predicted the rain in Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffarh and Rajanpur from July 29 to 31.
The general director PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia has ordered all the commissioners and commissioners attached in Punjab that remains on maximum alert in view of the early weather situation.
He warned that there is the risk of urban floods in the main urban centers, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Faisalabad.
The PDMA has instructed the departments, including civil defense, rescue 1122 and other allied agencies, to ensure that preventive arrangements are completely in force. “In compliance with the directives of Punjab Prime Minister, all relevant departments have been issued by an alert state,” said DG Irfan Ali Kathia.
In addition, he ordered that emergency control rooms remain completely with personnel and active, while rescue response equipment 1122 are maintained on a maximum alert.
In a warning to the public, the PDMA urged citizens to follow precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary trips, particularly in vulnerable areas.
“There is a higher risk of landslides in mountainous regions such as Murree and Galiyat, while fragile and mud buildings can suffer damage due to heavy rains,” said the PDMA.
“The passengers are advised and tourists who remain cautious due to the expected climate and avoid non -essential trips,” added the spokesman.
In the case of urban or sudden floods, the public is advised to seek refuge in safe places and do not try to drive through the flowing water. For any emergency, citizens can communicate with the PDMA help line in 1129, the spokesman said.
