Flash Floods Claim 49 Lives in Pakistan as Rescuers Evacuate Tourists
Heavy rains have led to devastating flash floods across Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 49 people over the past 24 hours. This tragic toll was reported by officials on Friday as rescue operations focused on evacuating approximately 1,300 tourists stranded in the mountainous Siran Valley, located in Mansehra district. The floods are part of a broader series of rain-related incidents that have claimed more than 360 lives since June 26, primarily affecting northern and northwestern regions of the country.
The most recent fatalities include at least 10 individuals in the Ghazar district of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, who were swept away by sudden floods, according to regional government spokesman Faizullah Faraq. Another 16 people perished in Bajaur district, also located in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, when a significant cloudburst caused flash flooding, as reported by rescue official Amjad Khan. In addition, 10 deaths occurred in the Battagram district, with reports indicating that 18 people are still unaccounted for.
In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, seven lives were lost in separate rain-related incidents, as confirmed by the state’s disaster management authority. Rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts spearheaded by provincial emergency service spokesman Bilal Faizi, who indicated that rescuers worked tirelessly to free tourists trapped by flooding and landslides.
Severe Weather Events Linked to Climate Change
The region has faced multiple floods since July, with significant landslides affecting the Karakoram Highway, a vital route connecting Pakistan and China. This highway is heavily frequented by tourists traveling to the scenic northern areas of Pakistan, which are renowned for their glaciers that supply about 75% of the nation’s stored water.
Pakistan’s disaster management agency has issued urgent alerts concerning the potential for glacial lake outburst flooding in the north, advising travelers to steer clear of affected areas. A recent study by World Weather Attribution revealed that rainfall levels from June 24 to July 23 were 10% to 15% higher than usual due to climate change, indicating a troubling trend towards more frequent and intense downpours, known as cloudbursts.
The consequences of such extreme weather were starkly illustrated in 2022, when the country’s worst monsoon season on record resulted in over 1,700 fatalities and an estimated $40 billion in damages. As the current weather patterns continue to pose severe risks, officials are grappling with the growing impact of climate-related disasters on the nation’s infrastructure and safety.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the situation remains critical as communities continue to cope with the aftermath of these devastating floods.
