Monsoon rains kill 111 in Pakistan, more heavy rains expected

Monsoon rains that began in late June in Pakistan have so far killed 111 people, including 53 children, according to figures released by the government's National Disaster Management Authority on Monday.

The highest number of deaths have been in the densely populated Punjab province. Pakistan’s National Meteorological Department has issued a warning of more heavy rains in the northern and eastern parts of the country, raising the risk of urban flooding, landslides and structural damage from windstorms.

The monsoon accounts for 70 to 80 percent of the annual rainfall in South Asia. It begins in early June in India and in late June in Pakistan and lasts until September. While the monsoon is crucial for farmers’ livelihoods and food security, it can also cause flooding, landslides and building collapses. The pattern of the monsoon is changing as the world warms, but scientists are still unsure of the extent of its impact.

Pakistan is one of the countries hardest hit by climate change. In 2022, devastating monsoon floods in Pakistan submerged three parts of the country and killed more than 1,700 people. Some areas are still in the process of rebuilding. Strong winds and hailstorms in May this year also killed at least 32 people.