Pakistan's monsoon death toll climbs to 159 after 63 die in one day

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is The World Now.

Pakistan's Punjab province has been hit by devastating monsoon rains that have killed more than 60 people within 24 hours.

According to officials on Thursday, heavy monsoon downpours across Punjab province triggered flash floods, landslides, and building collapses, claiming 63 lives and injuring nearly 300 since Wednesday morning.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority, since late June, the death toll from rain-related incidents across the country has reached 159, with Punjab accounting for most of the fatalities.

More than one thousand homes have also been damaged.

Punjab's Chief Minister declared an emergency in several areas and urged residents to follow safety guidelines.

A high flood alert remains in effect along rivers such as the Jhelum river, as more heavy rain is forecast for the weekend.