By Islamuddin Sajid
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AA) – At least 43 people have died and 61 have been injured in Pakistan’s rainy monsoon season over the last week, authorities said Wednesday.
The largest number of causalities was reported in Balochistan where 15 people died, while 11 people lost their lives in the southern province of Punjab, six people in Sindh (including three children), five in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, four in Federal- Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and two in the northwestern Khyber Pukhtonkhaw province, said a National Disaster Management Authority report.
“Around 60 houses were also damaged, and some of them were completely destroyed, due to floods and heavy rain in various parts of the country,” the report added.
According to weather officials, the next 48 hours could bring more rain and thunderstorms which could cause flash floods and landslides in hilly areas.
– Turkey offers condolences
Turkey on Wednesday expressed its condolences to the people and government of Pakistan for the losses from the rains and flooding.
“We learned with sorrow that as a result of floods which took place in various parts of Pakistan there was a loss of lives and injured people,” said a Foreign Ministry statement.
“We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in these disasters, convey our condolences, and wish patience to their families.
“We share the grief of the Pakistani people and on this painful occasion we reiterate our strong feelings of solidarity with the friendly and brotherly people and Government of Pakistan.”
Meryem Goktas contributed to this report from Ankara.
