Devastating Floods in Northern Pakistan: 321 Dead in KP, Thousands Affected Across Region
Nearly 2,000 workers are actively involved in search and rescue operations across nine affected districts.
PESHAWAR/SWAT: Torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides continue to wreak havoc across northern Pakistan, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) reporting 321 deaths alone, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed on Saturday.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) detailed the widespread damage in KP, revealing that 74 houses were affected — 63 partially damaged and 11 completely destroyed. The PDMA also warned that the current spell of heavy rainfall is likely to continue until August 21.
The worst-hit districts include Buner — with 184 deaths reported — as well as Bajaur, Torghar, Mansehra, Shangla, Swat, and others. The KP government has declared these regions as disaster-hit areas and has released Rs500 million in emergency funds, including Rs15 million for Buner and Rs10 million each for Bajaur, Battagram, and Mansehra.
According to rescue agencies, nearly 2,000 workers are actively involved in search and rescue operations across nine affected districts. However, continued landslides, washed-out roads, and extreme weather conditions are hampering the delivery of aid and movement of heavy machinery and ambulances.
“Most rescue workers are traveling on foot to reach remote regions. Survivors are reluctant to relocate due to loss of family members or loved ones trapped under debris,” said Bilal Ahmed Faizi, spokesperson for KP’s Rescue agency.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the NDMA to immediately deliver tents, food, medicines, and other essential supplies to the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has issued special orders for the rehabilitation of flood victims, including the deployment of additional military troops and the allocation of over 600 tonnes of army rations for relief efforts. The Army Corps of Engineers has been tasked to expedite bridge repairs and install temporary bridges where necessary to restore connectivity.
Thousands Affected, Dozens Missing
Barrister Saif, KP CM’s Adviser on Information, stated that 11 districts have been affected by floods and cloudbursts, with 3,817 people displaced and 32 still missing. Over 545 rescuers, 90 vehicles, and boats are engaged in ongoing rescue missions.
In Swat, eight more bodies were recovered, pushing the district’s death toll to 20, according to Deputy Commissioner Saleem Jan. The PDMA added that 2,071 individuals were successfully rescued in the district.
KP’s Health Adviser Ihtisham Ali traveled to Buner with medical supplies and teams, pledging full support on the ground:
“I will personally oversee the relief efforts and ensure all possible assistance is provided,” he said.
Situation in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), 11 people — including five children — have died, while 417 homes have been damaged, 104 of which are completely destroyed, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
The Gilgit-Baltistan region has also suffered, with the death toll reaching 12.
The SDMA reported that Neelum Highway has been restored, and stranded tourists in Neelum Valley, Jhelum, and Bagh have been relocated. Rain is forecast to continue from Sunday to Tuesday, raising further concerns about additional damage and risk.
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