ISLAMABAD: Severe storms, flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides have wreaked havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, leaving over 325 people dead with the forecast of more rains.
Buner was the hardest hit, with 213 fatalities and several missing persons. In Mansehra, 20 people were killed by flash floods and landslides; 17 were locals, and three were from Batagram.
Rescue teams have recovered 15 bodies, while five remain missing.
In Bajaur, a cloudburst triggered floods and landslides that claimed 21 lives. In Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, flash floods destroyed six bridges, resulting in 11 deaths, while 8 people, including six from a single family, were killed in Muzaffarabad. Gilgit-Baltistan also suffered major damage, with five bridges washed away in Skardu and multiple casualties in Chilas.
The Tarbela Dam in Haripur reached a critical water level of 1548 feet, forcing authorities to open the spillways, which submerged a private hotel. Emergency measures are underway in Buner and other affected districts.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued warnings for continued rainfall from August 18 to 22 in KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. Areas at risk include Chitral, Dir, Haripur, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, Mansehra, Malakand, Swat, Hazara, Peshawar, Bajaur, and neighboring regions. Moderate to heavy rainfall may exacerbate flooding and landslides.
Flash floods have damaged infrastructure, swept away homes, livestock, and vehicles, and caused widespread disruption. Residents are urged to stay alert and follow official evacuation instructions.
