Pakistan Reports 66 Flood-Related Deaths, Raising Concerns Over Water-Borne Diseases

Pakistan has reported 66 flood-related deaths in the Lower Dir district, where heavy rains from April 12-15 and April 18-21, 2024 caused significant damage. The incidents have raised concerns about potential water-borne diseases due to pools of motionless water left behind by the floods.

The damages in Lower Dir include 269 partially damaged houses, 16 fully damaged houses, 21 cattle perished, and 2 bridges damaged. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (R&HR) Office in Lower Dir is responsible for the response efforts.

Why this matters: The flood-related deaths and damage in Pakistan highlight the country's vulnerability to the escalating threats of climate change. The potential for water-borne diseases due to pools of motionless water underscores the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and adaptation strategies to protect public health and infrastructure.

The World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) 'State of the Climate in Asia 2023' report emphasizes the profound vulnerabilities of the region to climate change. In 2023, 79 disasters linked with hydro-meteorological hazards struck Asia, with floods and storms accounting for over 80% of incidents resulting in more than 2,000 fatalities and affecting 9 million people.

The annual mean near-surface temperature over Asia in 2023 was the second highest on record, 0.91 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average and 1.87 degrees above the 1961-1990 average. The High Mountain Asia region, which contains the largest volume of ice outside of the polar regions, has seen most of its glaciers retreating at an increasingly rapid rate.

The WMO report emphasizes the critical need for access to precise projected climate information and tailored meteorological services to enhance disaster preparedness and implement effective adaptation strategies. As Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of the recent floods and the looming threat of water-borne diseases, the country must prioritize measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect its citizens from future disasters.

Key Takeaways

• 66 flood-related deaths in Lower Dir, Pakistan due to heavy rains in April 2024.
• Damage includes 269 partially, 16 fully damaged houses, 21 cattle deaths, 2 bridges.
• Floods highlight Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change and water-borne diseases.
• Asia saw 79 disasters linked to hydro-meteorological hazards in 2023, affecting 9M people.
• Urgent need for climate adaptation strategies to mitigate future disaster impacts.