© The Nation
Heavy rains resulting in flooding nullahs washed away dozens of residential houses while partially damaging hundreds other in different areas of KP, Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh. The gushing water also destroyed crops cultivated on thousands of acres of cultivated land. Maize and rice crops were adversely destroyed in Pasrur, Rajanpur, Sanghar, and other areas. Life in Karachi, the teeming metropolis of over 16 million, came to a grinding halt as it received heavy downpour of the current monsoon on Sunday. One of the city's main avenues, Shahrah-e Faisal, submerged in rainwater while floodwater entered the airport from Bhataiabad.
At least 20 people died in rain-related incidents as provincial authorities called in army troops to help drain out rainwater from different neighbourhoods. Most of the fatalities were caused by electrocution and drowning. Another person was electrocuted and three died due to a roof collapse.
The rain caused dozens of feeders of the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) to trip, which resulted in power outages in almost half of the city.
Meanwhile 100 out of 225 feeders have been restored so far. The areas that continue to face blackout includes North Karachi, North Nazimabad, Abul Hassan Isphani road, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan Iqbal, Surjani Town, Baldia, Nusrat Bhutto colony, Lyari and Landhi.
As most drains were clogged, rainwater and sewage flooded the busiest arteries and thoroughfares of the city, causing gridlocks at different places. Several cars and mini-buses also broke down in the middle of the roads adding to the traffic mess.
Although the posh and residential neighbourhoods were no exception, the worst-hit were the slums and villages on the edge of the city. Pakistan Navy personnel were called in to take part in rescue operation after rain water entered houses in different parts of the city, leaving a large number of people stranded.
According to reports, people in Saadi Town, Amoroha Society, Safoora Goth, Gulshan-e-Mamar, Bhittayi Abad, Gulistan-e-Jauher and those leaving near Lyari and Malir rivers were stranded as rain water from Saturday s heavy downpour entered their houses.
People in various affected localities moved to safer places. A vast area of Balochistan came under flood water after heavy rain in various districts of Balochistan. In Sibi, a high level flood is passing through Narhi river. An emergency cell has been established at the office of Commissioner Sibi. Low lying areas came under flood water in Jhal Magsi.
Balochistan government has dispatched rescue teams to the area. The Met Office said the current monsoon system in moving toward Balochistan from Sindh and the torrential rains are now expected in Gwadar, Jiwani, Turbat and adjoining areas.
Torrential rains lashed the Punjab provincial capital city and its adjoining areas overnight turning the weather pleasant, but several low-lying localities in the city were flooded due to heavy rain and roads were submerged under rainwater causing much inconvenience to the citizens.
Most of the adjoining areas of the city were severely hit as standing water on the roads and streets entered into the houses, while markets were inundated without any immediate help and rescue from the city administration.
Met department forecast that this monsoon spell to continue for 3/ 4 days more, when the city would be receiving intermittent rains In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rain has played havoc in Peshawar, Chitral, Charsaddah and Nowshera along with others area. Many areas remained cut-off after road links and suspension bridges were washed away in the province.
Following an unprecedented rainfall and floods, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has got active in facilitating the victims. Provincial Disaster Management Authority of KPK has dispatched relief goods for the floods-hit people in Chitral. Commissioner Peshawar Sahabzada Anis is supervising the rescue operation along with other high ups.
The package for the victims include 200 blankets, 150 mats, 200 tents and 50 Jerricans for drinking water.
The torrential rains coupled with heavy floods have affected hundreds of families who have been forced to shift to safer places.
in neighbouring Afghanistan too, this from the BBC.....
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