Pakistan records wettest April since 1961

Pakistan recorded its highest April rain since 1961, receiving more than double the usual rainfall for the month, according to the country's Meteorological Department.

The department said in a report issued late Friday that the average rainfall was 59.3 millimetres, significantly higher than the normal average for the month of 22.5 millimetres.

Authorities said at least 144 people killed in thunderstorms and landslides caused by heavy rains in April.

While parts of Asia are experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, Pakistan recorded a decrease in average temperatures in April, reaching 23.67 degrees Celsius compared to the usual 24.54 degrees Celsius.

Meteorological Department spokesperson Zaheer Ahmed Babar said climate change is behind these shifts.

Pakistan in 2022 suffered devastating floods that submerged nearly a third of the country, killing 1,700 people and affecting the lives of more than 33 million people.