BUNER: Continuous heavy rainfall has unleashed destructive Buner floods, submerging low-lying areas, damaging standing crops, and forcing families to flee their homes. Rivers and canals overflowed as torrential rains battered the district, turning the situation into a major emergency.
Announcements from mosques urged residents to move to higher ground. Despite the warnings, floodwaters entered dozens of houses and even swept into Pir Baba Bazaar, creating scenes of chaos and fear.
Deputy Commissioner Kashif Qayyum confirmed that a high alert has been declared across Buner. Rescue teams have been dispatched to vulnerable areas. Safe shelters have been identified where displaced families can move immediately.
“The water level in Batai and Qadr Nagar is extremely dangerous. It is flowing rapidly toward Pir Baba Khoor. Floodwater has already reached behind the main market and road level. Evacuations are in progress,” the deputy commissioner explained.
He added that if conditions worsen, temporary government housing will be provided to families unable to return home.
Impact on infrastructure and agriculture
The Buner floods have already left deep scars on infrastructure. Communication roads were washed away, cutting off access to several regions. Farmers suffered devastating losses as orchards and standing crops were destroyed.
Continuous rainfall for more than five hours intensified the flash floods, leaving residents in a state of panic. Families described a sense of helplessness as they rushed to escape the rising waters.
The disaster has not only threatened lives but also raised fears of long-term economic damage for farming communities across the district.
Officials say relief operations are underway, but the scale of destruction caused by the Buner floods demands urgent and coordinated action.