Devastating heavy rains and floods have wreaked havoc in Pakistan and POK. Over 214 deaths have been reported so far, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province being the worst affected. Many bridges and roads have been washed away, houses have collapsed, and the army is engaged in relief and rescue operations. Warnings of continued heavy rainfall have been issued until August 21st.
Heavy Rain In Pakistan: Torrential rain in many parts of POK for the past 36 hours has caused devastation. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been the most affected by the flash floods, with the Buner district alone reporting 92 deaths. Overall, more than 214 lives have been lost, and many are missing. Bridges, roads, and houses have been swept away in the floods, while the army and rescue teams are engaged in relief efforts. Authorities have issued an alert for more rain until August 21st.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Most Affected
According to officials, the highest number of deaths have occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority reported that 198 people have lost their lives in the flash floods in the last 24 hours. This includes 14 women and 12 children. The Buner district has been the worst hit, with 92 deaths reported in the area alone. Heavy losses have also been reported in Mansehra, Bajaur, Batagram, Lower Dir, and Shangla.
Rescuers Killed in Helicopter Crash
The provincial government had also sent helicopters to evacuate people safely. However, a helicopter crashed in the Mohmand tribal district due to bad weather. Two crew members and three rescuers were killed in the accident. The administration has alerted all district hospitals and ordered to ensure the availability of medicines and equipment.
Army Operation in Swat and Bajaur
The Pakistani Army is continuously conducting relief operations in the Swat and Bajaur districts. Army teams are using boats and other means to move people to safer locations. In many places, villages have been completely submerged, and movement has been stopped due to waterlogging on the roads.
Instructions from Chief Minister Gandapur
The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amin Ali Gandapur, has personally started monitoring the rescue operations. He has ordered the authorities to deploy all resources in relief and rescue operations. The Commissioner of Malakand and the Deputy Commissioner of Bajaur have been asked to stay in the affected areas and monitor the relief operations.
Heavy Losses in Gilgit-Baltistan Too
The rain and floods have also severely affected Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Important roads like the Karakoram Highway and the Baltistan Highway have been closed. Efforts are underway to safely evacuate tourists in the Neelum Valley.
Many bridges have also been washed away in the floods. Two bridges built on the Lawat Nala and the Kundal Shahi bridge were broken due to the surge in the Jagraran Nala. A restaurant and three houses were also washed away in the floods.
Loss of Life Due to Landslide
A major landslide occurred in Sarli Sacha village of Muzaffarabad district. In which a house was completely buried. It is feared that all six members of the same family inside the house were killed under the debris. In Sudhanoti district, a 26-year-old youth was swept away in a drain, while in Bagh district, a woman died after her house collapsed.
Alert for Heavy Rain till August 21
The Meteorological Department has warned that intermittent heavy rain is likely to occur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding areas till August 21. This is likely to worsen the flood and landslide situation.
Thousands of people are still suffering from the floods. Hundreds of families have been rendered homeless. People are being moved to relief camps. Schools and government buildings have been converted into temporary relief centers.
