Rescue operations continue as death toll surpasses 320 in KP flood disaster

Peshawar (Web Desk): Relentless monsoon rains over the past two days have led to widespread devastation across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leaving hundreds dead and several communities in ruins.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has confirmed that at least 321 individuals lost their lives, while 28 others sustained injuries in incidents related to flooding, landslides, and lightning strikes. These tragedies unfolded in various districts, with Buner, Swat, Mansehra, Bajaur, and Battagram bearing the brunt of the destruction.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported slightly different figures, stating that 307 people have died—279 of them men, along with 15 women and 13 children. It also noted 23 injuries and the destruction of 74 houses, of which 63 were partially damaged and 11 were reduced to rubble. As rescue efforts press on, officials fear the death toll may rise, especially with 32 people still reported missing in affected regions.

Efforts are ongoing as rescue teams, supported by the Pakistan Army and local administrations, continue to operate in the worst-hit areas. Over 545 personnel, equipped with 90 vehicles and rescue boats, have been deployed to manage the crisis.

The provincial administration has declared today, Saturday, a day of mourning, and Chief Minister has authorized the release of Rs500 million to support relief operations in devastated districts.

Of the funds allocated, Rs150 million have been designated specifically for Buner, which recorded the highest number of fatalities—159 lives lost. Around 100 individuals were pulled out alive during rescue missions there. Bajaur received Rs10 million, where 20 people were confirmed dead and one remains missing. In Battagram, 11 bodies were recovered, with 10 others still unaccounted for. Additional funds have been assigned to Swat (Rs50 million) and Rs10 million each to Mansehra and the other affected regions.

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Advisor Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, 11 districts in total were struck by cloudbursts and sudden flooding, directly impacting nearly 3,817 residents. He urged the public to stay vigilant as heavy rain continues to threaten more landslides in the northern belt. Tourists have been strongly advised to postpone any travel plans to these areas for the next five to six days due to safety concerns.

Meanwhile, torrential downpours and flash floods have also caused significant disruption in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, compounding the regional crisis.

The NDMA is working closely with both provincial and district authorities to ensure that rescue and relief efforts reach those in urgent need.