Pakistan Restores Power and Opens Roads After Deadly Floods

Pakistan has successfully restored approximately 70% of its electricity supply and reopened major roads in the northern and northwestern regions after devastating flash floods resulted in the deaths of over 300 individuals. Officials announced these developments on Tuesday, indicating significant progress in recovery efforts following the catastrophic flooding.

Recovery Efforts Underway

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed at a news conference that engineers are actively working to fully restore the electricity system, which was severely impacted by the floods that struck last week. The restoration of roads has facilitated the delivery of essential supplies, including food, to the areas most affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to expedite recovery activities, particularly in Buner, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where torrential rains and a sudden cloudburst on July 7 claimed at least 280 lives. The floods have had a nationwide impact, with the National Disaster Management Authority reporting over 700 fatalities since June 26.

According to Tarar, more than 25,000 individuals have been evacuated from the most affected areas. The military has also been involved in rescue operations, with army doctors providing medical assistance to survivors and engineers repairing critical infrastructure. Troops have utilized helicopters to deliver food and supplies to remote villages that have been isolated by landslides and flooding.

Continued Search and Community Concerns

The flooding in Buner is among the most severe since the monsoon season began last month. Rescue official Mohammad Suhail stated that search teams, supported by army sniffer dogs, are still searching for around 150 individuals reported missing in the district. Community members have voiced frustration over what they perceive as inadequate warning systems, claiming that timely evacuation alerts were not issued and that traditional warning methods, such as announcements from mosque loudspeakers, were not utilized.

“The cloudburst struck so suddenly that warnings could not be delivered,” an official remarked.

Authorities are on alert for the potential of further catastrophic flooding, reminiscent of the 2022 floods that resulted in nearly 1,700 deaths. These events were linked to climate change, and officials are taking precautions to mitigate risks as the monsoon season continues.

As recovery efforts proceed, the focus remains on ensuring that those affected by the disaster receive the necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this tragedy.