At least 124 people have died and 264 others have been injured in Pakistan over the past three weeks due to torrential monsoon rains and related incidents, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday.
In its latest situation report, the NDMA said the casualties were recorded between June 26 and July 16, with eight new deaths and 11 injuries reported in the last 24 hours.
The eastern Punjab province is the worst affected, with 49 fatalities and 158 injuries, followed by the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with 38 deaths and 57 injuries. The southern Sindh province reported 20 deaths and 40 injuries, while the southwestern Balochistan province recorded 16 fatalities and four injuries.
One death and five injuries were reported in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, while no casualties were recorded in northern Gilgit-Baltistan and the Islamabad Capital Territory, said the NDMA.
Pakistan experiences heavy monsoon rains from July to September each year, which often cause widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and casualties, particularly in low-lying and rural areas.
Authorities have issued advisories and are working with provincial governments to coordinate relief and rescue efforts in the most affected regions.
Torrential monsoon rains claim 124 lives in Pakistan over past three weeks
Torrential monsoon rains claim 124 lives in Pakistan over past three weeks
Torrential monsoon rains claim 124 lives in Pakistan over past three weeks
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
