Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has expressed her grief over the heavy monsoon rains and flash floods in northern Pakistan that have killed nearly 400 people. Sharing her condolences in a message on X, Malala said her heart breaks for every community affected, from Gilgit Baltistan to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and especially in her home region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Shangla, Malala’s hometown, recorded 37 deaths, while Mansehra saw 23, Swat 22, Bajaur 21, Battagram 15, Lower Dir five, and Abbottabad one. In addition to the loss of lives, 11 houses were destroyed, 63 were partially damaged, and several schools in Swat and Shangla were also affected.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that at least 344 people died within the last 48 hours, with 324 fatalities occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone. Rescuers continued their efforts on Saturday to recover bodies buried under muddy debris caused by landslides and flash floods.
Malala’s statement comes at a time when thousands across the northern areas are battling not only the destruction of homes but also the loss of livelihoods. She urged solidarity and compassion for those suffering in one of the worst flood disasters the region has witnessed in recent years.