Death Toll Rises as Extreme Weather Causes Flooding in Pakistan and Afghanistan

The death toll due to the recent extreme weather in parts of central Asia has climbed to at least 135 as hard-hit Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to bear the brunt of the disastrous conditions. The toll includes about 70 people in Afghanistan and a similar number in Pakistan.

At least 70 fatalities have been reported in Afghanistan over the last five days, with heavy rains causing widespread destruction. The unusually dry winter left the country susceptible to flash-flooding, resulting in the loss of lives, injuries to 56 individuals, and the damaging or destruction of over 2,600 houses and 95,000 acres of farmland.

Crisis in Pakistan

In Pakistan, a comparable number of deaths have been reported, mostly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where collapsing buildings claimed the lives of dozens, including 15 children. A significant number of houses were also damaged in the region, adding to the devastation.

Unprecedented Rainfall

Pakistan's senior meteorological official, Zaheer Ahmed Babar, revealed that the country has seen a dramatic increase in rainfall, with some areas experiencing up to 353% more rainfall than normal. The situation has been attributed to climate change, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province witnessing 90% more rain than usual in April. It has been noted as the wettest April in the past 30 years.

The recent events echo the catastrophic floods of 2022, which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and caused extensive damage. The United Nations has highlighted Afghanistan's vulnerability to extreme weather conditions and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

Climate Change Impact

Scientists have warned that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events are directly linked to climate change. With Afghanistan still recovering from decades of conflict, the country is ill-prepared to face the escalating challenges posed by climate-related disasters.