Pakistan declares national emergency as deadly floods rage on
- About 33 million people have been displaced by severe flooding that was triggered by erratic monsoon rains
- At least 937 people have been killed since mid-June during a period of record rainfall, the national disaster agency said
Pakistan has declared a national emergency and called for international help as the death toll from months of flooding continues to rise.
The flooding triggered by erratic monsoon rains had displaced around 33 million people, mostly in the impoverished south and southwest of the country, a statement by the prime minister’s office said.
At least 937 people have been killed since mid-June during a period of record rainfall, the national disaster agency said.
More rains were expected in the regions of Sindh and Balochistan, with million of people thought to be waiting for help in inaccessible areas.
Swollen rivers were destroying houses, bridges and roads, chief meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered army troops to assist the civil administration, put hospitals on high alert and called for the international community and donor agencies for help, his office said.
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Over 800 people killed in Pakistan floods caused by monsoon rains