15 Killed As Heavy Rains, Flash Floods Wreak Havoc In Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, April 3 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- A fresh spell of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms wreaked havoc in Pakistan's Balochistan province and southern port city of Karachi, leaving 15 people dead over the last 24 hours, while causing widespread disruption and damage to infrastructure, reported Xinhua.

In Balochistan, at least eight people were killed and several others injured in rain-related incidents after heavy rainfall lashed over a dozen districts of the province, according to the officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday.

The PMDA said the rainstorms also damaged houses, infrastructure and standing crops, and killed livestock across the province.

Separately, seven people were killed in incidents of electrocution and wall collapse during intermittent heavy showers in Karachi, said local rescue officials, adding that measures are being taken to mitigate road flooding and facilitate smooth traffic during the rainy spell.

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi said emergency camps have been set up across the city ahead of the expected rains, with authorities on high alert to ensure a timely response and assist residents.

Earlier, Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted heavy rains with thunderstorms in parts of the South Asian country until April 4, saying the heavy rainfall may generate flash floods, landslides and cause damage to standing crops. 

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA