15 killed as heavy rains, flash floods wreak havoc in Pakistan

A fresh spell of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms wreaked havoc in Pakistan's Balochistan province and southern port city of Karachi, leaving 15 people dead over the last 24 hours, while causing widespread disruption and infrastructure damage.

In Balochistan, at least eight people were killed and several others injured in rain-related incidents after heavy rainfall lashed over a dozen districts of the province, according to the officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday.

The PMDA said that the rainstorms also damaged houses, infrastructures and standing crops as well as perished livestock across the province.

Separately, seven people were killed in incidents of electrocution and wall collapse during intermittent heavy showers in Karachi, said local rescue officials, adding that measures are being taken to mitigate road inundation and facilitate smooth traffic during the rainy spell.

Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi said that emergency camps have been set up across Karachi in anticipation of the expected rains, with administrations remaining on high alert to ensure a timely response and facilitate citizens.

Earlier, Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted heavy rains with thunderstorms in parts of the South Asian country until April 4, saying the heavy rainfall may generate flash floods, landslides and cause damage to standing crops.

xinhua