Catastrophic flash floods triggered by relentless monsoon rains have claimed over 320 lives across northern Pakistan, with rescue operations underway in severely affected districts. The majority of casualties were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where rivers burst their banks and homes collapsed under the force of surging waters.
Death Toll and Disaster Zones
- Total fatalities: At least 321 in the past 48 hours
- Worst-hit areas:
- Buner: 184 deaths
- Shangla, Mansehra, Swat, Bajaur, Battagram: Declared disaster zones
- Additional casualties:
- 9 deaths in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
- 5 deaths in Gilgit-Baltistan
- 5 killed in a helicopter crash during relief operations in Bajaur
Rescue Challenges
- Rescue teams: Over 2,000 personnel deployed across nine districts
- Obstacles:
- Washed-out roads
- Landslides
- Continuous rainfall
- Evacuation efforts: Many survivors remain trapped; some refuse to relocate due to missing family members
Climate Change Link
Experts attribute the severity of the floods to climate change, noting that this year’s monsoon rainfall was 10–15% heavier than average. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued further rain alerts and warned of potential glacial lake outburst floods in northern regions.
Human Toll
Survivors described the disaster as “doomsday,” with mass funerals held across villages. Entire communities have been cut off, and the trauma of loss is widespread. “We still have no clear idea who in this small village is alive and who is dead,” said Saifullah Khan, a local schoolteacher.
