Pakistan: At least 36 fatalities due to building collapses and landslides

Extensive heavy rains across Pakistan on Sunday 3^rd of March have resulted in at least 37 fatalities and 50 injuries, according to authorities. The downpours have caused significant damage and/or collapse of houses, while several landslides were triggered, particularly in the northwest region. More specifically, at least 700 houses had been damaged, while many roads were blocked, because of the debris.

In the scenic Swat Valley, the Khyber district, and other areas of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, 30 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents since Thursday night. The latter was reported by the provincial disaster management authority. Casualties and damages were also reported in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.

Furthermore, authorities announced plans to send assistance and deploy heavy machinery to clear highways that were blocked by debris. It should be mentioned that several parts remained impassable due to landslides triggered by rain and snow, e.g. the Karakoram Highway, connecting Pakistan and China.

In response to the weather conditions, authorities advised against tourist travel to the north, because the recent heavy rains left several visitors stranded in the region last week. The director of the national meteorological department of Pakistan, also, stated that these heavy rainstorms are similar with those back to 2015. In all, it is stated that Pakistan experienced a delay in winter rains this year, starting in February instead of November, as it is typical.