Pakistan monsoon death toll hits 657

Atleast 657 people died and nearly 1,000 were injured since late June in rain-related incidents in Pakistan, according to officials.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

In a media briefing Sunday, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Spokesperson Tayyab Shah said that heavy monsoon rains are expected to persist until August 22. He warned that two to three more monsoon spells are expected to hit the country in September. Shah noted that this year, monsoon rainfall had been 50 to 60 per cent heavier than last year.

This year’s monsoon season ranks among the most destructive in recent memory, he said.

According to NDMA, 657 people -- 171 children, 94 women, and 392 men -- died and 929 others were injured in rain-related incidents across Pakistan since June 26.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the worst-hit province with 390 deaths -- 288 men, 59 children, and 43 women.