Severe Rainfall Leads to Tragic Loss of Life in Pakistan and South Korea
In the last 24 hours, intense monsoon rains in Pakistan have resulted in the deaths of 54 individuals, bringing the total fatalities to 180 since the season began at the end of June, according to the government’s disaster management authority.
A spokesperson for the agency reported that the recent storms have predominantly affected Punjab, where the majority of the fatalities occurred. Continuous heavy rainfall since the morning of the day before yesterday has led to widespread flooding and the collapse of homes.
The spokesperson noted that approximately 180 individuals have lost their lives during this monsoon season, including 70 children. Nearly 500 people have been injured since the rains commenced on June 26. Most casualties resulted from roof or wall collapses, floodwaters, or electrocutions. Residents living near a river flowing through Rawalpindi, close to the capital Islamabad, have been urged to evacuate due to sharply rising water levels.
In response to the ongoing weather conditions, the Rawalpindi government declared a holiday on Thursday, advising citizens to stay indoors. The meteorological department has warned that the likelihood of heavy rainfall and additional flooding remains high over the next 48 hours.
Casualties from Severe Weather in South Korea
Additionally, South Korea has reported at least three fatalities and the evacuation of around a thousand people due to heavy rainfall. According to authorities, three people died on Thursday in South Chungcheong Province. Among the victims was a driver in Osan, located about 50 kilometers south of the capital Seoul, whose vehicle was crushed when a 10-meter support wall collapsed from a bridge. Two elderly individuals also lost their lives; one was swept away by floodwaters, while the other was found deceased in a basement apartment that had been submerged.