At least 77 people have so far been killed since June 14 when the country started receiving monsoon rain, Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman said.

“Sindh and Balochistan are the most affected provinces,” she said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad. “This is only the beginning.”

Rain has wreaked havoc in the country. The National Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday issued instructions to federal ministries, provincial governments and departments to remain alert and ensure precautionary measures amid the recent monsoon spell extension predicted by the Met Office.

Key points

• 39 killed in Balochistan
• Policy on plastic in the offing
• Electrocution kills two in Gujranwala
• Tree plantation campaign planned
• Pakistan received rain more than 87%
• Water crisis is the impending crisis after monsoon spell
• Water scarcity threat in 2025
• Avoid non-essential travelling
• Rain alert issued
• Pakistan stands sixth in states most affected by climate change

The minister added that special attention was being paid to the water crisis in Balochistan and the coastal areas of Sindh.

The Met Office has predicted that the current monsoon spell may continue for another 24-48 hours and is likely to strengthen from this weekend.