ISLAMABAD: Severe storms, flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides have devastated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir with the forecast on more rains in the region.
The disasters have killed over 325 people. Buner suffered the most, with 213 fatalities. Many others remain missing.
In Mansehra, floods and landslides killed 20 people. Seventeen were locals, and three were from Batagram. Rescue teams recovered 15 bodies, but five are still missing.
A cloudburst in Bajaur triggered floods and landslides, killing 21 people.
In Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, floods destroyed six bridges, leaving 11 dead. In Muzaffarabad, eight people, including six from one family, died. Gilgit-Baltistan also suffered.
Floods washed away five bridges in Skardu and caused multiple casualties in Chilas.
The Tarbela Dam in Haripur reached a critical water level of 1548 feet. Authorities opened the spillways, which submerged a private hotel. Officials have evacuated residents from high-risk areas.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned of heavy rainfall from August 18 to 22. Areas at risk include Chitral, Dir, Haripur, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, Mansehra, Malakand, Swat, Hazara, Peshawar, Bajaur, and nearby regions. Moderate to heavy rain could worsen floods and landslides.
Flash floods have destroyed homes, washed away vehicles, and killed livestock. Authorities urge residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders. Rescue teams continue relief operations.
Related: KP Govt’s Helicopter Crashes.
