Relentless flooding has killed more than 170 people in eastern Pakistan, half of them children, in the latest disaster that underscores the country's vulnerability to the growing climate crisis.
At least 54 of the deaths occurred in the past 24 hours, according to the National Disaster Management Authority, as torrential rains swept through the most populous province of Punjab, collapsing houses and destroying roads.
At least 85 children have lost their lives since the floods began on June 26, the NDMA said.
Aid agencies warn that fears are growing for children, who are particularly vulnerable to the risk of drowning and contracting water-borne diseases.
Authorities said a state of emergency has been declared in several districts across the province, and the army has been deployed in the city of Rawalpindi to deal with rising flood levels.
Video shared by the Punjab Disaster Management Authority shows dramatic rescues as floodwaters inundate fields and entire roads. In one, first responders can be seen transporting children to safety in an inflatable raft.
Heavy rains continue to batter Rawalpindi and the nearby capital Islamabad, with multiple areas recording more than 100 millimeters on Thursday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. More heavy rainfall is expected on Friday, the department added.
Pakistan is on the front lines of the man-made climate crisis. The nation of more than 230 million people has been hit by two powerful weather systems - one that causes scorching heat and drought, and another that brings relentless monsoon rains.
(A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
