Catastrophic Flooding in Northwest Pakistan
A catastrophic flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall has devastated northwest Pakistan, leading to the destruction of numerous towns and villages and resulting in the deaths of more than 300 individuals in just one day. This disaster, which included the loss of five crew members from a rescue helicopter, struck the remote mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where cloud bursts, flash floods, lightning, and landslides occurred during the most severe downpour of this year's monsoon season. As of Saturday, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that at least 307 fatalities had been reported, with many more casualties expected.
Ongoing damage assessments by the PDMA revealed that seven homes were completely destroyed, and 38 others were damaged, particularly in the Swat district. Furthermore, three schools were completely demolished, while three others suffered damage. The PDMA has warned that rainfall is anticipated to continue across various regions of the province until August 21.
On Friday, a helicopter crashed while conducting a rescue operation in northern Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of five crew members, as stated by the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
According to Ali Amin Gandapur, the provincial government’s MI-17 helicopter, which was delivering relief supplies to rain-affected regions in Bajaur, crashed in the Pandiyali area of Mohmand district due to poor weather conditions, resulting in the loss of five crew members, including two pilots.
Significant fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure have been reported in districts such as Swat, Buner, Shangla, Bajaur, Lower Dir, Battagram, and Mansehra. In response to the tragedy, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government declared a one-day mourning period on Saturday to honor the five crew members who perished in the helicopter crash.
As reported, the administration has issued a notification to lower the national flag to half-mast across the province in remembrance of the deceased.
Rescue teams have successfully evacuated 2,071 individuals, including 300 schoolchildren, from Buner district amid the ongoing heavy rainfall and flash floods. The Deputy Commissioner, Kashif Qayyum, has declared an emergency in the district as relief efforts continue in the affected areas.
