PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Devastating cloudbursts and relentless torrential rains have wreaked havoc across northern Pakistan, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The severe weather has left at least 75 people dead, numerous injured, and many more unaccounted for, creating a critical humanitarian crisis.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported 43 fatalities over the past 24 hours as floodwaters surged through various regions. Among the deceased, 33 were men, while two women and eight children also lost their lives. The torrential rains have not only claimed lives but have also damaged 30 homes, 25 of which are partially destroyed and five completely collapsed, impacting districts such as Swat, Buner, and Mansehra.
Bajaur has been particularly hard-hit, with cloudbursts resulting in 16 fatalities and seven individuals still missing. In the village of Suri Pao in Lower Dir, heavy rainfall caused a roof to cave in, killing five people and injuring four more. Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams working to locate individuals trapped under debris as schools in the affected areas remain closed for safety.
The floods have also impacted the Hazara Division, including Abbottabad, where heavy rainfall has led to multiple fatalities and severe infrastructural damage. In Battagram, nine deaths were reported due to incidents caused by the floods.
In response to the unprecedented situation, the Pakistan Army has mobilized for disaster relief efforts in the hardest-hit districts, such as Swat and Bajaur. Helicopters are actively engaged in airlifting stranded residents and delivering vital supplies to those in need.
Meanwhile, in Azad Kashmir, continuous rainfall and landslides have caused extensive damage over the past three days, isolating communities. A tragic incident in Muzaffarabad’s Naseerabad tehsil led to the deaths of six family members due to a cloudburst. Though a tourist vehicle was swept away, all its occupants were safely rescued. Landslides have closed vital transport routes, including the Muzaffarabad-Abbottabad road, prompting the closure of schools for two days.
Gilgit-Baltistan has not been spared from the destructive impact of the rains. In Ghizer district, reports indicate that 11 people have been swept away, with six bodies recovered. Major roadways are blocked, complicating relief efforts for those affected by the weather.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings for more heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across various regions, including Islamabad, Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with impending rain expected in parts of Sindh, including Karachi. As water levels in rivers rise, authorities are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in the Indus River where low-level flooding has been reported.
As communities grapple with the immediate aftermath of this disaster, rescuers continue to search for missing persons and provide aid to the displaced. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to restore normalcy amid an escalating crisis highlighted by the ongoing threat of severe weather.