At least 307 people have died and 23 injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) after heavy rains and sudden floods devastated multiple regions in the last 48 hours, the provincial authority of Disaster Management (PDMA) said on Saturday.
Buner was the worst district beaten with 184 deaths, followed by Shangla with 36, Bajaur 21, Mansehra 23, Swat 22, Butagram 15, Lower Dir Five and Abbottabad One, according to PDMA.
The report said the deceased included 279 men, 15 women and 13 children. Infrastructure losses were also recorded, with 63 houses completely damaged and 74 partially damaged, along with schools and bridges dragged in several districts.
Rescue operations are underway in Buner, where efforts continue in three tehsils.
The reports suggest that several people are trapped under debris, a rescue spokesman said. The operation continued throughout the night, and the elimination of debris has begun in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the flood relief operations of the Pakistan Army and the border body are ongoing in Buner, Swat and Bajaur. Army teams remain involved in help activities in districts affected by floods. Helicopters are delivering rations and other essential supplies, while evacuations to safe locations are underway.
Additional army contingents have been sent to join the efforts. The operation will continue until all affected people are rescued and relocated safely, the military said.
National mobilized response
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has sent a team to Peshawar to supervise aid operations in the areas affected by the floods of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), in the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Read: The mortal flood devasta kp
According to NDMA, total support for the provincial government is being provided, including the supply of aid goods. The president of the NDMA informed the Prime Minister about the situation last night.
The NDMA declared that it is constantly coordinating with civil and military institutions and is monitoring continuous help efforts 24 hours. He warned about a greater risk of landslides in the areas of the north due to the expected rains and urged people to remain cautious. Tourists have been advised to avoid traveling to the region during the next five to six days.
Chopper crashes in bad weather
A KP’s government helicopter that delivered flood relief supplies left yesterday in a tribal district, killing the five crew members, provincial officials said.
The Mi-17 plane fell in the Mohmand district while heading to the Salarzai area of Bajaur, affected by floods, after losing contact with bad weather, the main minister Ali Amin Gandapur told journalists. The dead included two pilots.
Later, the search teams located the remains in Pandiali Tehsil de Mohmand, said CM Gandapur, confirming that there were no survivors. The provincial government declared a day of mourning, with flags that will fly at half -mast, and said the crew would be buried with all state honors.
“These people lost their lives while helping others during this crisis,” said Prime Minister. “Your sacrifice will be remembered.”
