The devastating flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) continue to wreak havoc, with the death toll rising to 323 lives lost and over 156 injured. The district of Buner has suffered the heaviest losses, recording 217 deaths, while thousands of families remain displaced.
On Saturday, the KP government declared a state of emergency as torrential rains swept through Buner, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Bajaur, and Battagram, leaving widespread destruction. Authorities have warned that dozens of victims may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the floods have claimed the lives of 273 men, 29 women, and 21 children, while damaging 336 homes, 57 schools, 23 structures, and killing over 320 cattle.
🔹 In Swat, 219 homes were affected, with 42 completely destroyed.
🔹 In Shangla, 36 deaths and 21 injuries were reported.
🔹 In Mansehra, 24 deaths were confirmed.
🔹 In Bajaur, 21 lives were lost, while several injuries were reported.
The PDMA warned of further heavy rainfall between August 17–21, urging people in vulnerable areas to remain cautious. The Emergency Operations Centre remains fully active, with citizens advised to contact the helpline 1700 for assistance.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered federal ministers to directly supervise relief operations in KP. Trucks carrying rations, tents, hygiene kits, medicines, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lamps, and de-watering pumps have already reached flood-affected districts under the NDMA Relief Package.
The Pakistan Army has also launched extensive rescue operations. Despite adverse weather, Army helicopters are airlifting stranded families, delivering food supplies such as flour, rice, pulses, and milk powder, and setting up medical camps where free medicines are being provided.
The Karakoram Highway in Kohistan, which was blocked for four days, has been partially restored, allowing vehicles and stranded tourists to resume travel. However, the Hunza section remains closed due to erosion, with repair work ongoing.
Rescue officials confirmed that over 2,000 workers are engaged across nine districts, but heavy rainfall and collapsed roads continue to hamper relief efforts. Local authorities in Swat and Buner have managed to safely rescue women and school children from severely affected areas.
PDMA officials stated that Rs800 million in financial aid has been allocated, with Rs500 million specifically for Buner. District administrations have been directed to distribute compensation to affected families immediately.
The situation remains critical, with collapsed homes, flooded roads, and widespread destruction across KP. Rescue teams continue to battle adverse weather conditions to search for survivors and provide emergency relief to the thousands displaced.
NEWS SOURCE:
Dawn News.
