Azerbaijan conveys condolences following tragic flooding in Pakistan

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of life in Pakistan following severe flooding.

In a statement on X, the ministry conveyed solidarity with the Pakistani people as torrential rains and rising waters swept through the northern regions of the country, causing significant destruction and fatalities.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and devastation caused by the floods in the northern part of Pakistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Azerbaijan stands in solidarity with the brotherly people and Government of Pakistan in this difficult time.”

Heavy rains in northwest Pakistan have claimed nearly 200 lives over the past 24 hours, local authorities reported on August 15. The extreme weather, including cloudbursts, flash floods, lightning strikes, and collapsing buildings, hit the hilly and mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province hardest.

The National Disaster Management Authority reported a death toll of 194, with Buner district the worst affected, where floods and heavy rainfall caused around 100 fatalities, according to provincial Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah.

A rescue helicopter delivering aid to flood-hit Bajaur, near the Afghan border, crashed amid bad weather, killing all five crew members. In Swat district, over 2,000 residents were relocated to safer areas as rivers and streams overflowed.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation. Pakistan has already faced unusually heavy rainfall this monsoon season, causing widespread destruction and hundreds of additional deaths in recent weeks.

By Aghakazim Guliyev