Fresh rains hit Pakistan, toll at 1,700
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Islamabad, Aug. 8: Heavy monsoon showers hit the flood-hit regions of Pakistan on Sunday, worsening the flooding and impeding relief operations, compounding a humanitarian crisis that has affected over 14 million people across the country and claimed nearly 1,700 lives so far.
Flood waters that have inundated the northwest and central parts of the country raced southward into Sindh province along the Indus river, which officials said was in “exceptionally high flood”.
Over 700 villages were flooded as water levels of 1,128,000 cusecs and 1,115,300 cusecs were recorded at the Guddu Barrage and Sukkur Barrage respectively as authorities struggled to cope with the impact of the worst deluge in 80 years.
The protective bunds at Bachal Shah Mayani and Torhi near Sukkur were breached and several barrages were at risk.
Officials said they expected the situation to worsen as heavy rains are forecast to continue in Sindh for the next three days. Some people resisted evacuation as they feared their homes would be looted.
“It is certain that hundreds of thousands, if not millions, are being affected,” said Mr Dennis Bruhn, a UN disaster management expert in Sindh.
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