PESHAWAR, August 16: The death toll from devastating monsoon rains and flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has surged to 307, with 23 others injured, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Buner Worst Hit
Buner district has suffered the heaviest losses, with 184 fatalities reported. Shangla followed with 34 deaths, while other casualties were confirmed in Bajaur, Swat, Mansehra, Battagram, Lower Dir, Torghar and Abbottabad.
PDMA said the deceased included 279 men, 15 women and 13 children. At least 63 houses were destroyed and 74 partially damaged, while several schools and bridges were swept away.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams worked through the night in Buner, where many people remain trapped under debris. Operations are also ongoing in Swat and Bajaur, with Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps personnel leading relief activities. Helicopters have been airlifting rations and medical supplies to cut-off areas.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has dispatched a team to Peshawar on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to oversee relief work. NDMA officials said they remain in constant contact with civil and military institutions and warned of fresh landslides in northern areas due to ongoing rains.
Army Mobilises Support
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has directed troops to fully support rehabilitation efforts. The Army has pledged one day’s salary and 600 tons of daily rations for flood victims. Engineers have been tasked with repairing damaged bridges and setting up temporary ones.
Specialized rescue teams, including sniffer dogs and urban search units, have been deployed to assist in locating survivors.
Tragedy in the Air
Relief efforts suffered a major setback when a K-P government MI-17 helicopter crashed in Mohmand district due to poor weather while carrying relief goods to Bajaur. All five crew members, including two pilots, were martyred.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed the tragedy and announced a day of mourning, with flags flown at half-mast across the province. “These individuals lost their lives while helping others during this crisis. Their sacrifice will always be remembered,” he said.
Authorities have advised tourists and locals to avoid traveling to the north for the next five to six days due to the risk of landslides. Weather officials forecast that heavy monsoon rains will continue until August 21, potentially worsening the situation
