Deadly floods triggered by relentless monsoon rains have killed at least 323 people and injured 156 others across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif deployed federal ministers to directly oversee relief operations in the worst hit districts.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the victims include 273 men, 29 women, and 21 children, while the injured comprise 123 men, 23 women, and 10 children. Torrential rains and flash floods have also damaged 336 houses 106 completely destroyed and 230 partially damaged.
Buner has emerged as the worst-hit district, recording 209 deaths. Other badly affected regions include Swat, Bajaur, Torghar, Mansehra, Shangla and Battagram. Authorities have warned of more heavy downpours between August 17 and 19, with the current monsoon spell expected to continue until August 21.
To step up relief, the provincial government has dispatched 89 trucks loaded with tents, bedding, mosquito nets, kitchen kits, generators, and other essentials to flood-ravaged areas. The PDMA confirmed that Rs800 million have been released to district administrations, including Rs500 million allocated to Buner alone, for immediate relief and compensation. Citizens have also been advised to contact the emergency helpline 1700 for assistance.
In line with the premier’s directives, ministers have been assigned specific districts: Engineer Amir Muqam in Shangla and Buner, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf in Mansehra, and Special Assistant Mubarak Zeb in Bajaur. Sharif has also ordered fresh consignments of food, tents, and medicines under a federal relief package while personally monitoring NDMA’s nationwide operations.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur assured flood victims that the provincial government will fully compensate all losses. During visits to Buner and Swat, Gandapur reviewed rescue efforts and directed officials to speed up damage assessments and disburse compensation without delay.
The Pakistan Army, acting under the instructions of Army Chief General Asim Munir, is carrying out extensive rescue missions. Troops and helicopters are delivering rations, including rice, flour, milk powder, tea, and lentils, to remote areas such as Khawaza Banda and Mingora, while evacuating stranded women, children, and the injured to safer locations.
The NDMA chairman, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, confirmed that work is ongoing to restore connectivity in areas where bridges and roads have collapsed. He said emergency relief consignments are being rushed to all districts facing large-scale displacements and casualties.
With monsoon rains forecast to intensify, officials have identified vulnerable zones across northern Pakistan, Malakand and Hazara divisions, northeastern Punjab, central Balochistan, and parts of Sindh, urging residents to stay alert as relief operations continue at full scale.
