Pakistan: Disruptions due to severe flooding continuing across many parts of the country as of Sept. 16 /update 3

Event

Severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall associated with the current monsoon season continues to cause disruptions across many parts of Pakistan as of Sept. 16. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported a further 22 fatalities and nine injuries Sept. 14-15, bringing the total fatalities since the monsoon season began in mid-June to over 1,500 people, as well as over 12,500 injuries. Flooding has affected more than 33 million people and damaged or destroyed over 1.7 million houses nationwide. Over 6,500 km (4,039 miles) of roads and over 250 bridges have been partially or completely damaged. The worst-affected provinces are Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan. Within these locations, officials have declared 66 districts as calamity hit. Floodwaters have started to recede in some areas; however, hundreds of settlements remain inundated by floodwaters and hundreds of thousands of people remain unable to return to their homes.

The flooding is also leading to rising cases of infectious and water-borne diseases in many parts of the country, as well as other health concerns and a lack of access to health facilities. Nearly 4,000 cases of dengue-fever have been reported in Sindh Province, including nine deaths. Health authorities in Sindh issued a Sept. 16 stating over 90,000 people in the province were currently being treated for infectious and water-borne diseases.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue further mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across Pakistan. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Arabian Sea coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages. Avoid stagnant bodies of water.

Resources

Pakistan Meteorological Department
National Disaster Management Authority