Heavy rains and flash floods claim 307 lives in northwest Pakistan

More than 300 people have died in northwest Pakistan following two days of intense rains and flooding, Reuters reported, citing local authorities on August 16.

Rescue operations and efforts to clear blocked roads are ongoing, supported by the release of emergency funds, while forecasters warn that heavy rainfall is expected to continue until August 21.

The most severe weather of this year’s monsoon season has been attributed to cloud bursts, flash floods, lightning strikes, landslides, and building collapses. As of early Saturday, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority confirmed 307 deaths, with additional people still missing in the hilly and mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The impact of heavy rains extends beyond Pakistan, affecting parts of neighbouring India and Nepal over the past week.

Buner district, roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Islamabad under normal conditions, has been among the worst-hit areas. Local officials reported 184 deaths and widespread destruction of infrastructure, crops, and orchards. A combination of cloud bursts, flash floods, and fallen trees swept away residents and their possessions, leaving women and children trapped in floodwaters; authorities have recovered 93 bodies.

In Shangla district, the collapse of a building roof due to the heavy rainfall caused many of the 34 fatalities, provincial Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said. Local officials have been dispatched to supervise relief operations and evaluate the damage. Medical camps are being set up for victims, and arrangements are in place to provide cooked meals to families who have lost their homes. Shah added that heavy machinery will be deployed to restore and clear roads.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said both civilian and military teams are engaged in rescue and relief efforts, while the prime minister convened an emergency meeting. “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, to those who are injured, and many whose homes and livelihoods have been swept away,” Dar said on social media.

The disaster was further compounded on August 15 when a rescue helicopter crashed due to bad weather, killing all five crew members.

By Tamilla Hasanova