The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of more intense torrential rains across the country starting today, adding to the widespread destruction already caused in northern regions. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been hit the hardest, with the death toll crossing 337. The PMD stated that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, along with a westerly wave, will further intensify rainfall.
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Peshawar. Downpours are also likely in Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan until August 19. Authorities fear that flash floods and landslides could worsen conditions in already devastated areas.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has suffered the greatest loss, with 314 deaths, including men, women, and children. Flood-ravaged Buner alone recorded 209 fatalities, while several districts such as Bajaur, Shangla, and Battagram reported significant casualties and damage. In total, 159 homes have been damaged, with 62 completely destroyed and 97 partially damaged. Relief teams remain engaged in rescue and recovery missions.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik confirmed that rehabilitation work was underway in flood-hit areas. He emphasized that relief supplies and food would be delivered, while missing persons were still being searched for. Stressing that these disasters are linked to climate change, the NDMA chief called for unity and precaution, urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate. The focus of relief and monitoring efforts, he added, will now be on North Punjab, AJK, and Gilgit Baltistan in the coming weeks.