Flash floods caused by heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 30 people in a remote part of Chitral in northern Pakistan, near the border with Afghanistan.
Local officials say the floods washed away a mosque and several houses. The death toll included women and children. Search and rescue operations are under way for many other people missing in the area, giving rise to fears that the final death toll might increase.
Pakistan’s meteorological department had warned earlier about the possibility of flash floods.
Chitral is popular among both local and foreign tourists for its scenic valleys and colorful culture. One of its valleys, Kailash, is home to Pakistan’s only pagan minority.
Rain also caused havoc last week in Pakistan’s largest city Karachi, where life ground to a halt as streets flooded and most of the city lost power.
The mayhem highlighted longstanding problems with the city’s electricity and sewerage systems.
ISLAMABAD —
