Islamabad: Recent torrential rains have triggered severe flash floods across Pakistan and widespread flooding in Myanmar. In Pakistan, the floods have led to the deaths of 141 people, with 266 injured, while in Myanmar, the rising waters have affected over 153,000 people.
According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, in Pakistan, the floods have damaged over 1,000 houses and destroyed 25 bridges, predominantly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab provinces. Additionally, more than 330 livestock perished, exacerbating the economic losses for local farmers and communities. A significant Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in the Upper Chitral district has compounded the damage, destroying critical infrastructure such as a local bridge, a powerhouse, and irrigation canals. In response, the KP Government has declared a flood emergency in the area through August 30 to facilitate relief operations.
In Myanmar, conflicts and the monsoon season have led to catastrophic flooding, particularly in the Southeast regions, affecting townships with continuous rains and river overflows since July 25. Floodwaters have inundated over 1,000 acres of paddy fields and nearly 100 schools, causing temporary closures and significant disruption. The flooding has not only impacted the Bago, Kayin, Mon, and Tanintharyi regions but also areas in Kachin State, the Northwest, and southern Rakhine earlier in the month, displacing approximately 240,000 people to temporary relocation sites. Emergency assistance efforts are ongoing to support those affected by the floods.