Lightening and rain kill dozens in Pakistan
Heavy rains have battered Pakistan’s southwest, with flash floods and lightning killing at least 39 people.
Some of those killed were farmers struck by lightning while harvesting wheat, authorities say.
Flash floods have also disrupted power supplies and transportation networks.
Pakistan has been dealing with the impacts of climate change as extreme weather events increase.
In 2022, a third of the country was completely submerged by flooding, killing more than 1,700 people and injuring thousands. Millions were left homeless and lacked clean drinking water for months after.
With more rain expected in the coming days, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority has also warned of landslides and flash floods.
Punjab – Pakistan’s most populated province – has suffered the highest death toll so far with 21 killed, AFP reported.
At least eight were killed in the westernmost Balochistan province, a state of emergency has been declared. Schools in the province were ordered to shut on Monday and Tuesday.
Extensive areas of Pasni, a Baloch coastal town, have been covered by rainwater.
Neighbouring Afghanistan is also being affected by heavy rain, with at least 33 dead and homes damaged or destroyed.
Pakistan is also ranked as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the UN’s Global Climate Risk Index.