More than 300 people have died in northwest Pakistan after two days of torrential rains and flooding, officials said on Saturday, warning that downpours are expected to continue until August 21.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority reported 307 confirmed deaths, with many still missing across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and collapsing buildings marked the deadliest spell of this year’s monsoon.
Buner district was among the worst-hit, with at least 184 fatalities, widespread damage to crops, orchards, and infrastructure, and dozens of residents — including women and children — swept away by floods. Ninety-three bodies were recovered. In Shangla, roof collapses caused by heavy rains killed 34 people, officials said.
Rescue operations, road clearance, and medical camps were underway as civilian and military teams worked to reach stranded residents. Authorities said families who lost homes were being provided cooked meals, while heavy machinery was deployed to restore road access.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the government had released emergency funds and vowed ongoing relief efforts. “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,” he said.
The disaster comes as neighbouring India and Nepal also face severe monsoon-related floods and landslides. Pakistan’s rescue efforts were further hampered on Friday when a helicopter crashed in bad weather, killing five crew members.