What's happened
Pakistan has issued a flood alert due to glacial melting and heavy rains, leading to over 130 deaths in recent days. Unseasonably heavy rains have caused flash floods, landslides, and significant damage to infrastructure in the region.
Why it matters
The heavy rains and flooding in Pakistan and Afghanistan have resulted in a significant loss of life and property, highlighting the urgent need for disaster preparedness and climate change mitigation measures. The extreme weather events are a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on vulnerable regions.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that a flood alert has been issued in Pakistan due to glacial melting and heavy rains, while the New York Times and Al Jazeera provide insights into the widespread devastation caused by the unseasonably heavy rains in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
How we got here
Pakistan and Afghanistan have experienced heavier rains than normal, leading to flash floods, landslides, and destruction of homes and infrastructure. The mountainous regions, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, have been severely affected by the deluges, with reports of numerous casualties and extensive damage.
More on these topics
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province, is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, located in the northwestern region of the country along the International border with Afghanistan.