Unusually heavy monsoon rains have so far claimed the lives of at least 77 people in Pakistan.

Most casualties since the start of the rainy season on June 14 have been reported from southwestern Balochistan province, Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman said on Wednesday.

She spoke of a "national tragedy".

The country must prepare for the fact that the situation will continue to deteriorate due to climate change.

Many of the victims in Balochistan drowned or were electrocuted, Rehman said.

"When people die like this, it's no small matter."

The minister warned that the constant swings between drought and severe flooding are "just the beginning".

"We have to prepare."

The monsoon usually lasts from June to September.

It plays an important role in agriculture and water supplies, but it also repeatedly causes devastating floods and devastation.

The worst floods in recent history occurred in 2010. At that time, around a fifth of the country was flooded;

almost 2000 people lost their lives.

Around 20 million were left homeless.

Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to climate change.

According to the German development and environmental organization Germanwatch, it is the 8th country most threatened by extreme weather events.