URGENT UPDATE: Rescuers in northwest Pakistan have recovered an additional 63 bodies from homes devastated by landslides and flash floods, pushing the death toll from rain-related incidents to at least 220. The ongoing crisis has claimed approximately 541 lives since June 2, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.
Heavy rains, attributed to climate change, have led to catastrophic flooding and mudslides across the region. As emergency services continue their search for survivors, hundreds of rescue workers are focusing efforts in Buner, one of the hardest-hit districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Torrential rains and cloudbursts triggered massive flooding on Friday, leaving many homes swept away and communities in despair.
Mohammad Suhail, a spokesman for emergency services, confirmed the grim situation, stating that first responders are working tirelessly to recover bodies from the most affected villages, including Pir Baba and Malik Pura. Many victims perished before they could reach medical facilities, with local doctor Mohammad Tariq highlighting that “many among the dead were children and men, while women were away in the hills.”
Survivor Mohammad Khan, a resident of Pir Baba, recounted the frantic moments as floodwaters surged unexpectedly. “We do not know from where the floodwater came, but it came so fast that many could not leave their homes,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The provincial disaster management authority reports that at least 351 people have died this week alone from rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Meanwhile, in nearby Indian-controlled Kashmir, floods have also claimed lives and displaced hundreds, underscoring the widespread impact of these extreme weather events.
Authorities have been working to evacuate tourists trapped in flood-hit areas, with over 3,500 individuals rescued since Thursday. Many tourists had ignored government warnings to avoid regions prone to flooding, fearing further landslides and flash floods.
The current flooding crisis recalls the devastating monsoon season of 2022, which resulted in more than 1,700 fatalities and caused an estimated $A61 billion in damages. As recovery efforts continue, the urgency to address the underlying causes of such extreme weather events becomes increasingly clear.
WHAT’S NEXT: Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, focusing on recovery efforts while raising awareness about the risks associated with climate change. As the search for survivors persists, communities remain in dire need of assistance and support. Share this urgent news to spread awareness about the ongoing crisis in Pakistan.
