Death Toll from Floods in Pakistan Nears 1,500

Islamabad – Floods caused by monsoon rains that began in June have killed almost 1,500 people in Pakistan and injured more than 12,000, according to the latest toll released Tuesday by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

As a result of the monsoon rains and floods continuing since June 14, 1,481 people have died and 12,748 have been injured. Over the past 24 hours, 54 more people were killed and 6 sustained injuries, the NDMA announced.

In its latest count, the authority said that 1.7 million homes have been completely or partially destroyed, over 900,000 livestock killed and 390 bridges damaged as a result of floods.

The monsoon, which usually lasts from June to September, is essential for irrigating crops and replenishing water resources in the Indian subcontinent. But every year it also brings its share of drama and destruction.