Pakistan Records Wettest April Since 1961 with Devastating Consequences

Published: 04 May 2024 at 14:18

Science

Pakistan experienced its wettest April since 1961, receiving more than twice the usual rainfall for the month, leading to at least 144 deaths and significant damages. The country's weather agency reported 59.3mm of rain, well above the average of 22.5mm. The provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were most affected, with 437% and 164% more rainfall than usual respectively. In 2022, Pakistan faced devastating floods causing $30 billion in damages. Climate change is cited as a major factor influencing these extreme weather events, with experts urging for better climate mitigation measures.

DEEP DIVE

Death Toll Rises in Central Asia Due to Extreme Weather

The death toll in central Asia has risen as a result of unusual extreme weather conditions, with at least 135 people killed in Pakistan and Afghanistan due to heavy rains. Afghanistan's dry winter exacerbated flash-flooding during spring downpours, leading to 70 deaths and significant damage. In Pakistan, most deaths were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where collapsing buildings killed dozens, including 15 children. Climate change is believed to be a contributing factor to the heavier rainfalls in April in Pakistan.

Severe Weather in Pakistan and Afghanistan Leads to Dozens of Deaths

Lightning and heavy rains have caused at least 80 deaths across Pakistan and Afghanistan, with most fatalities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Severe storms triggered landslides, floods, and house collapses, with significant damage reported. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in parts of Pakistan, with the National Disaster Management Authority urging vigilance. In Afghanistan, flooding has killed 33 people and damaged homes, livestock, and agricultural land. Climate change is cited as a factor, with Pakistan being one of the most vulnerable countries to its effects, as highlighted by recent and past severe weather events.

Flood Alert Issued in Pakistani Province Due to Glacial Melting

A Pakistani province has issued a flood alert due to glacial melting, warning of heavy loss of life as extreme weather in Pakistan, caused by heavier rains than normal in April due to climate change, has killed scores of people and destroyed property. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, authorities issued a flood alert due to melting glaciers, with 46 people, including 25 children, having died in rain-related incidents. Baluchistan also faces rainfall challenges with limited resources.

IMF approves $1.1 billion tranche for Pakistan as part of a $3 billion bailout package, highlighting the need for reforms in the country's economy.

Cash-strapped Pakistan is set to receive a $1.1 billion loan tranche from the IMF to address its economic crisis, with experts emphasizing the necessity for structural reforms to reduce reliance on external financial aid. Islamabad's foreign currency reserves depleted to $3 billion in February 2023, leading to a severe economic crisis. Economists caution that growth is expected to remain slow at around 2 percent amid concerns over repayment of existing loans and rising inflation.

Pakistan and Iran exchange deadly airstrikes, leading to rising tensions and concerns about a potential escalation of conflict in the region.

Pakistan and Iran have engaged in a series of deadly airstrikes against each other, resulting in casualties on both sides. The airstrikes are believed to be motivated by longstanding tensions stemming from accusations of allowing militants to operate from each other's territory. The United Nations and the United States have called for restraint and urged the two countries to exercise maximum restraint. The escalating conflict further adds to the multiple crises in the region, including the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and Houthi rebels in Yemen attacking commercial vessels.

Bus Plunges into Rocky Ravine in Northern Pakistan, Killing 15

A bus traveling to Hunza on the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistans Diamer district plunged into a rocky ravine, killing at least 15 people and injuring over 20 others. The accident led to a large rescue mission, with army helicopters airlifting the injured to hospitals. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences, highlighting Pakistan's history of road accidents due to disregarded traffic rules. The mountainous highway connecting Pakistan with China witnesses frequent accidents, impacting tourism to destinations like Hunza.

Gunmen Fatally Shoot Police Officer Protecting Polio Workers in Pakistan

Gunmen fatally shot a police officer assigned to protect polio workers in Pakistan's northwest, leading to at least 10 police deaths this year in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Anti-polio campaigns in Pakistan face violence as militants target vaccination teams, falsely claiming Western conspiracy. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where polio spread persists. A five-day anti-polio campaign aims to vaccinate over 4 million children under 5, with more than 32,000 police providing security.

Rockets fired by separatist insurgents kill police officer and wound a dozen others in southwestern Pakistan

Separatist insurgents fired rockets in southwestern Pakistan, killing a police officer and injuring several people. The attacks were believed to be in retaliation for Pakistani strikes on insurgent hideouts in Iran. The Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks and threatened further strikes. Pakistan and Iran share a border where violence by Baluch nationalists has persisted for years. Balochistan province, where the attacks took place, has faced a low-level insurgency for over two decades. The province is rich in mineral resources but remains the country's poorest.

Pakistani Security Forces Kill Seven Militants Sneaking in from Afghanistan

Pakistani security forces killed seven militants in a remote northwestern border area when they attempted to enter the country from Afghanistan. The military's statement highlighted the insurgents near Ghulam Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and emphasized Pakistan's calls for improved border management with Afghanistan. The surge in violence in Pakistan, attributed to groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, has led to concerns over militants finding refuge in Afghanistan, where some TTP leaders and fighters have sought shelter.