ISLAMABAD: Heavy rains and thunderstorms have killed eight people in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, authorities said on Friday, taking the nationwide death from rain-related incidents to at least 26.
Moist currents have penetrated Pakistan over the past one week and under the influence of this weather system, isolated heavy rains and hail and thunderstorms have lashed several areas in upper and central parts of the country.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said fresh downpours, which began on May 27, have damaged 25 homes in Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Shangla, Swat, Torghar, Mohmand, Mansehra and Haripur, killing eight and injuring 21 people.
“Among the deceased are five men, two women, and a child,” the PDMA said in a statement. “The injured include ten men, five women and six children.”
Earlier this week, Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority chief Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed heavy rains had killed 18 people and injured 110 people in the eastern province.
Pakistan has seen erratic changes in its weather patterns which have led to frequent heat waves, untimely rains, storms, cyclones and droughts in recent years. Scientists have blamed the events on human-driven climate change.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that the current spell of rains will continue till May 31.
“PDMA has instructed local administrations to provide immediate support to affected families and ensure that the injured receive proper medical care,” the KP authority said.
“Citizens are urged to report any emergencies by calling 1700.”
In 2022, devastating floods, blamed on human-driven climate change, killed more than 1,700 Pakistanis, affected another 33 million and caused the country over $30 billion in economic losses.
Meanwhile, temperatures soared in the country's southern parts on Friday. In the southern port city of Karachi, daytime temperatures are expected to range between 39°C and 41°C.
"Hot and dry conditions will prevail, with the likelihood of occasional dust-raising winds," Anjum Nazir Zaigham, a PMD official, told Arab News. "The 'feels like' temperature may be two to three degrees higher than the actual temperature due to increased humidity and heat intensity."
Zaigham said temperatures will start decreasing from Saturday and are expected to drop to 35-37°C by Tuesday.
