The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported on Saturday that the death toll from floods, landslides, and rain-related incidents in northern Pakistan has surged, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) alone recording 321 fatalities. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) revealed extensive damage, stating that 74 houses were damaged, 63 partially destroyed, and 11 completely demolished. Authorities have warned that the heavy rainfall is expected to persist until August 21, exacerbating the crisis.
The worst-hit areas include Buner, Bajaur, Torghar, Mansehra, and Shangla, with Buner alone accounting for 184 deaths. The KP government has declared several districts, including Swat, as disaster-hit zones and released Rs500 million in relief funds. Of this, Rs15 million has been allocated for Buner, while Rs10 million each has been set aside for Bajaur, Battagram, and Mansehra.
Rescue operations face severe obstacles due to landslides and road blockages. Bilal Ahmed Faizi, spokesperson for KP’s Rescue agency, stated that around 2,000 workers are struggling to reach affected areas, often traveling on foot. “Heavy machinery and ambulances cannot access many regions, and survivors are reluctant to evacuate due to lost loved ones or trapped family members,” he explained.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the NDMA to expedite relief supplies, including tents, food, and medicine. Meanwhile, COAS Gen Asim Munir has mobilized military support, deploying additional troops and allocating 600 tonnes of rations. The Corps of Engineers has been instructed to urgently repair damaged bridges and install temporary crossings to restore connectivity in flood-ravaged areas.
