At least 307 people have lost their lives and 23 others sustained injuries across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) after relentless heavy rains and flash floods struck multiple districts over the past 48 hours, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported on Saturday.
Buner Worst-Hit with 184 Fatalities
The Buner district emerged as the epicenter of the tragedy, reporting 184 deaths. Other severely affected areas include:
- Shangla: 36 deaths
- Mansehra: 23
- Bajaur: 21
- Swat: 22
- Battagram: 15
- Lower Dir: 5
- Abbottabad: 1
Among the deceased were 279 men, 15 women, and 13 children, according to the PDMA.
Widespread Destruction of Infrastructure
The floods caused significant infrastructure damage:
- 63 houses fully destroyed
- 74 houses partially damaged
- Bridges and schools swept away in multiple districts
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams, including personnel from the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps, are actively engaged in affected regions. Buner, the hardest-hit district, remains the focus, with operations spanning across its three tehsils.
Efforts continue to clear debris and search for trapped individuals. Helicopters are being used to airdrop food and essential supplies, and evacuations are ongoing.
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The Army has deployed additional contingents to support the rescue and relief efforts, stating that operations will continue until every affected person is rescued and relocated to safety.
National Disaster Response Mobilized
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to provide full support. An NDMA team has been sent to Peshawar to coordinate with local authorities.
The NDMA reported round-the-clock coordination with civil and military institutions, and warned of increased risk of landslides in northern areas due to continued rain. Tourists have been advised to avoid travel to the region for the next five to six days.
Tragic Helicopter Crash Kills 5
In a separate tragedy, a K-P government MI-17 helicopter carrying relief supplies crashed in Mohmand district, killing all five crew members, including two pilots. The helicopter lost contact while en route to Salarzai in Bajaur due to poor weather.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed the incident and declared a day of mourning, with flags to fly at half-mast. He praised the crew for their bravery, saying, “These individuals lost their lives while helping others during this crisis. Their sacrifice will be remembered.”
