ISLAMABAD, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Floods triggered by continuous torrential rains hit different areas of Gilgit-Baltistan region in the north of Pakistan in the past days, leaving at least three people dead and injuring several others, local media and officials said Thursday.
Disaster Management Authority officials said in a statement that torrential rains and the floods caused widespread devastation by destroying several houses and washing away crops, livestock and vehicles in different areas, including Nagar, Skardu and Shigar district of the region.
Initial data released by the authority showed that over 100 houses were completely destroyed during the last 24 hours.
Continuous rains over a period of the last two days have damaged and blocked all roads due to landslides in the region causing a complete cut off from other areas, the officials added.
Locals told media that they were sleeping in their houses when floods entered their villages on Wednesday night forcing them to take refuge at nearby mountains.
Civilian and military rescue teams have been providing shelter, food and medicines to the victims, said the reports, adding that the disruption of the communication network delayed the rescue and relief work.
A team of Pakistan army rescued around 70 tourists who were trapped in the region after the floods disconnected the road network. The local administration has informed all travelers to avoid visits without confirmation from the concerned authorities.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a red alert warning regarding the tropical cyclone “Vayu” and heatwave for the country’s southern Sindh province, local reports said on Thursday.
Officials from the department told local media that the cyclone was around 500 km to 520 km away from the southern port city of Karachi at present and was moving towards the northwest.
“For two to three days after that, the cyclone would remain stationary due to which sea breeze will be reduced and humidity will increase in Karachi. On Sunday, this system is expected to be weakened and dissipated,” the PMD said.
Under the influence of the system, scattered thundershowers are expected in some parts of Sindh from Thursday to Friday, said the department.
The PMD advised fishermen not to venture into the open sea until Friday evening, as the sea conditions are likely to be very rough and high.
A contingency plan has been devised by Provincial Disaster Management Authority, district administrations, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Pakistan Navy, and other relevant departments to counter the detrimental impacts of cyclone.
