According to Sherry Rehman, Climate Change Minister of Pakistan, at least 77 people died from heavy rains in Pakistan over the past week. She also warned that the situation will get worse.
Sherry Rehman said that "this is a national tragedy" at a press conference held in Islamabad (the capital). She said that the death toll had been counted starting June 14, when monsoon started. "When people die like this, it's not something [...] It is just the beginning. She added, "We have to prepare for that."
PMD has predicted a monsoon season that will last from 1 July to mid-August. This is with an average of 87 % precipitation, which is already above normal. We are told that most of it will occur in the south. The June rainfall averaged 67%. Balochistan, Sindh highest affected pic.twitter.com/setugMJgGr
The majority of deaths occurred in Balochistan, a southwestern province. There were 39 victims who died of drowning or electrocution due to damaged power lines.
Monsoon season is crucial for water replenishment and irrigating plantations in the Indian subcontinent. It usually lasts between June and September. It also has its fair share of drama and destruction every year.
Floods can easily wash away houses in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas. Large swathes of arable land can also be destroyed.
@sherryrehman, Federal Minister presided over an interministerial meeting to discuss a cleaner energy transition with Mr. Yong Ye (Country Director Asian Development Bank) She stressed, "Pakistan needs timely climate financing for a Just Energy Transition." pic.twitter.com/sKcdqYu28X
The worst floods that Pakistan has ever experienced were in 2010 when floodwaters inundated almost a fifth the country. This resulted in nearly 1,800 deaths and more than 20,000,000 people being affected, which is nearly 10% of Pakistan's population.
Pakistan is especially vulnerable to climate change. According to Germanwatch, Pakistan is 8th in the list of countries most at risk from extreme weather phenomena.
Sherry Rehman said, "One day you have drought and then the next you're expecting flash floods... You can see how serious is the situation in Pakistan."
