Buner, Pakistan — Pakistan issued a flood alert Wednesday for some southern districts, warning of torrential rains, as rescue teams continued searching for missing people in the country's northwest, where severe floods killed hundreds over the past week.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted additional rainfall in Karachi on Thursday, as a monsoon system continues to affect the city. Winds

A deluge of rain triggered floods and landslides, sweeping people away and flooding and destroying homes, officials said.

More than 20 people have died on Wednesday in a torrential spell of monsoon rain in Pakistan, where downpours have swept away entire villages over the last week, killing more

Pakistan has restored 70% of electricity and reopened damaged roads in the north and northwest after flash floods killed more than 300 people.

According to the National Disaster Agency, the intensity of this year's monsoon is about 50% to 60% higher than last year.

Sudden floods triggered by heavy rains have killed more than 200 people across parts of Pakistan, India-administered Kashmir and Nepal, authorities have said, as scores of people remain missing.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's MI-17 helicopter had taken off from Peshawar for Bajaur when contact was lost over Mohmand tribal district, according to initial reports.