PESHAWAR, Aug 17: Pakistan’s weather department has issued a countrywide alert for heavy rainfall from August 17 to 21, warning of intensified downpours and urging precaution in the northwestern regions.
The ongoing monsoon, which began on June 26, has triggered devastating flash floods, killing over 650 people nationwide, with 327 deaths reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone—over 200 of them in Buner district, the worst-hit area.
Flash floods, caused by days of torrential rains and cloudbursts, have injured at least 137 people, destroyed homes, and swept away livestock, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Many remain missing, and rescuers fear more victims are trapped under rubble in remote villages. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but damaged bridges and blocked roads have severely complicated access to disaster zones.
Nearly 2,000 personnel have been deployed, including the Pakistan Army’s Corps of Engineers and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams operating in Buner, Shangla, and Swat.
Despite limited access, over 3,500 people have been evacuated. Search efforts continue using advanced equipment to locate survivors and recover bodies.
Buner’s Deputy Commissioner said many villages remain inaccessible, and locals are unable to clear debris on their own. Survivors are holding funerals and continuing to search through rubble by hand.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur visited Buner, announcing Rs 1.5 billion in relief funds and promising full support for rehabilitation.
Seven village councils in Buner reported extensive damage to over 5,300 houses.
Six districts—Buner, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Battagram, and Bajaur—have been declared disaster zones as monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across the country. (PTI)
