Significant progress has been made in restoring electricity across flood-affected regions of Pakistan, according to the Power Division. Distribution companies (DISCOs) are working on an emergency basis, with most feeders gradually being reconnected as teams continue field operations.
The restoration comes as the country reels from devastating monsoon floods that have so far claimed 802 lives, left 1,088 injured, and damaged nearly 7,465 houses, figures shared by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirm.
Rising Human and Infrastructure Toll
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has borne the brunt of fatalities, recording 479 deaths, followed by Punjab with 165, Sindh with 57, Gilgit-Baltistan with 45, Balochistan with 24, AJK with 24, and Islamabad with 8. Thousands remain displaced as roads, bridges, and crops across multiple provinces have been washed away.
Relief and Rescue Measures
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, chairing a high-level meeting, ordered the acceleration of rescue and relief operations, including food, medicine, tents, and evacuation support for affected families. He stressed the urgent need to construct water storage infrastructure and fast-track projects like the Diamer Bhasha Dam to minimise future flood damage.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif noted that over 50,000 people were rescued through coordinated efforts by NDMA, PDMA, the Army, and civil defence. She directed the deployment of mobile health units, restoration of 200 kilometres of damaged roads, and prioritisation of women, children, and the elderly in rescue work.
Climate Change and Infrastructure Gaps
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal cautioned that Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change made stronger disaster resilience vital. He highlighted gaps in preparedness, pointing out that neighbouring India suffered fewer losses due to more robust infrastructure.
Meanwhile, NDMA Chairman Lt. General Inam Haider briefed on continuing rescue operations, noting that river overflows and water releases from India had intensified flooding in Punjab, Sindh, and Gilgit-Baltistan, worsening crop and property losses.
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