Rain-induced flash floods kill at least 8 in Rawalpindi

Published July 7, 2015
Pakistani motorists drive along a motorway during monsoon rain in Islamabad. – AFP
Pakistani motorists drive along a motorway during monsoon rain in Islamabad. – AFP

ISLAMABAD: Flash floods caused by heavy monsoon rains killed at least 8 people in different areas of Rawalpindi Tuesday.

The flash flood swept away five people, of whom four drowned. There were reports of other deaths due to structural collapse and electrocution.

"Four people drowned when raging water from an overflowing drain entered residential areas in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Another person died when the wall of a home collapsed," said Waqas Rehman, a spokesperson for the government run emergency service.

Rehman added that rescuers have managed to save 16 people after floodwaters swept them away, and at least one person was still missing.

Terrified residents were seen sitting on roofs as floodwaters surged through the streets in localities of Rawalpindi.

Further spells of monsoon rains are predicted for the effected region. Monsoon rains cause widespread casualties and damage to property every year in Pakistan.

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