Rain-triggered floods devastate Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 186 dead

At least 186 people have died and over 30 others were injured due to rain-triggered floods that affected the northern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday night and Friday morning.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has released an initial report on the loss of life and property across various districts of the province due to heavy rains and flash floods in the last 24 hours.

Pakistan’s north region has been experiencing climate disasters for the last few months as monsoon rains continue to hit the region. Over 200 people have so far lost their lives due to climate-induced disasters.

The highest number of casualties was reported in the Buner district, with a death toll of 140 alone, while Battagram is the second most flood-hit district, also Salarzai area of Bajaur, where 16 bodies have been recovered so far.
Rescue 1122 teams took timely action and shifted people trapped in the flash flood in the Barwal Shahikot area of Upper Dir to safe places. There were no reports of any casualties.

Similarly, five people were killed and two were injured when a roof collapsed in Maidan Suri Pao in Lower Dir. The rescue team reached the spot after walking for three hours despite the difficult route and completed the rescue operation.

So far, 43 people have lost their lives, and 14 have been injured in different accidents linked to the severe weather. The fatalities include 33 men, 2 women, and 8 children, while the injured comprise 11 men, 2 women, and 1 child.

According to the report, a total of 30 houses have been damaged due to the rains and floods. Of these, 25 houses suffered partial destruction, and 5 houses were completely destroyed.

The incidents occurred in several districts, including Swat, Buner, Bajaur, Torghar, Mansehra, Shangla, and Battagram. The most severely affected districts are Bajaur and Battagram, where rescue operations are currently ongoing.

It is anticipated that the current series of heavy rains will continue intermittently until August 21. The PDMA has already notified all district administrations to take precautionary measures in light of the weather conditions.

Additionally, PDMA has urged the intensification of relief efforts in all affected districts to provide immediate assistance to the victims. All relevant agencies have been instructed to utilise their resources to restore closed highways and connecting roads at tourist destinations.

Tourists are also being advised to stay informed about the weather situation and to take necessary precautions. PDMA, along with all relevant agencies, relief teams, district administrations, and Rescue 1122, is actively monitoring the situation.