Pakistani province issues flood alert due to glacial melting, possibility of heavy loss of life

NEW DELHI: A flood alert has been issued in a Pakistani province due to glacial melting, with officials warning of potential heavy casualties. The region has been struck by days of severe weather, resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive damage to property and agricultural land. Climate experts attribute the heightened rainfall in April to the effects of climate change.
In the mountainous province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has been particularly affected by the torrential downpours, authorities have issued a flood warning due to glacier melt in various districts.They have urged residents to evacuate to safer areas as a precautionary measure against the escalating flood threat.
Muhammad Qaiser Khan, representing the local disaster management authority, emphasized the urgent need for preventive actions to avert significant loss of life and property in the face of the impending flood situation.
Recent reports from the province indicate that 46 individuals, including 25 children, have lost their lives in rain-related incidents over the past five days. Additionally, thousands of homes and several schools have either collapsed or sustained damage.
The southwestern province of Baluchistan has also been severely affected by rainfall. Despite its limited resources to manage the crisis, it may seek assistance from the central government if the rains persist.
The devastating floods of 2022, which submerged a significant portion of Pakistan and resulted in substantial casualties and economic losses, serve as a reminder of the country's vulnerability to extreme weather events. With the monsoon season set to commence in June, the authorities are bracing themselves for further challenges ahead.