PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest deluges in recent memory, as heavy monsoon rains and cloudbursts triggered flash floods across mountainous districts, leaving at least 323 people dead and more than 150 unaccounted for. The province has mobilised extensive relief and recovery efforts amid warnings of new rain spells in the coming days.
Rescue operations, led by provincial authorities and supported by federal agencies, are underway in hard-hit districts such as Buner, Shangla, Mansehra, Swat, and Bajaur. Teams continue to dig through debris, recover bodies, and evacuate survivors, while five military helicopters deployed for relief and supply missions remain active. The provincial government has released Rs1.5 billion in emergency funds and dispatched essential aid, including trucks loaded with non-food items bound for affected areas.
Affected communities, many of them remote and inaccessible due to washed-out roads and landslides, are showing signs of strain. In Gilgit-Baltistan, where flooding severed many access routes, residents staged protests over prolonged disruption to power and water supplies. Damage to critical infrastructure—including roads, bridges, and communication lines—remains widespread, complicating relief logistics.
Authorities have warned that the worst monsoon season in years is far from over. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent warning that two to three more rain waves are expected before mid-September, with rainfall levels forecast to exceed average by up to 60 percent. Seasonal forecasts underscore the escalating threat posed by altered weather patterns in the wake of climate change.
As the floodwaters recede, the provincial government has pledged rapid relief and recovery: emergency shelters have been set up, medical camps established, and repair teams deployed. The Prime Minister has directed federal ministers to personally oversee operations in the worst-affected districts to ensure effective response on the ground. Relocation and rehabilitation of vulnerable populations are also underway, with authorities exploring long-term resilience plans for flood-prone areas.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.