Pakistan is facing one of its worst flood disasters caused by continuous heavy rainfall. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the death toll has reached 706 people since June 26, with 965 injured. The most affected province is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where 427 people have died. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, especially in Buner district, which has seen the highest number of casualties. Authorities have warned that more heavy rainfall is expected until August 21, increasing fears of further destruction.
Death Toll and Injuries Continue to Rise
According to the latest update from Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 24 more people died in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 706 since June 26.
In addition, 965 people have been injured in various flood-related accidents.
Worst-Hit Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is the most devastated region, with 427 deaths reported so far.
Other affected areas include:
-
Punjab: 164 deaths
-
Sindh: 29 deaths
-
Balochistan: 22 deaths
-
Pakistan-administered Kashmir: 56 deaths
-
Islamabad Capital Territory: 8 deaths
Read More: Cash Transactions Encourage Corruption and Tax Evasion: Bangladesh Bank Governor
Buner District Sees Highest Casualties
Among all districts, Buner has become the worst-hit area with 222 confirmed deaths. Many more people are still missing, and search operations are continuing.
On Friday night (15 August), Besonai village in Buner was partially destroyed, leaving rescuers struggling to find survivors.
Other badly affected districts include Bajaur, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Shangla, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, and Torghar.
Continuous Rainfall and Cloudburst
The destruction was made worse by a cloudburst that hit after heavy rainfall between Thursday night and Friday morning.
More rainfall was recorded on Monday, worsening the crisis.
Damage to Homes and Infrastructure
Officials from KP province reported that nearly 780 houses were damaged, out of which 349 were completely destroyed.
Government Response and Evacuations
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar confirmed that relief and rescue operations are in full swing.
He said:
“ইতোমধ্যেই ২৫ হাজারের বেশি মানুষকে নিরাপদ স্থানে সরিয়ে নেওয়া হয়েছে এবং এক হাজারেরও বেশি মানুষকে হাসপাতালে ভর্তি করা হয়েছে।”
Translation: “Already more than 25,000 people have been shifted to safe places, and over 1,000 people have been admitted to hospitals.”
Weather Warning for Coming Days
Authorities have warned that heavy rainfall may continue until August 21.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to take extra precautions.
Officials said:
“আগামী ২১ আগস্ট পর্যন্ত ভারী বৃষ্টিপাতের সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে, তাই স্থানীয়দের প্রয়োজনীয় সতর্কতা অবলম্বনের আহ্বান জানানো হয়েছে।”
Translation: “There is a possibility of heavy rainfall until August 21, so locals are being urged to take necessary precautions.”
Source: Daily Jugantor
