UPDATE: Rescuers in northwest Pakistan have recovered 63 bodies from homes obliterated by devastating landslides and flash floods, pushing the overall death toll from rain-related incidents to at least 541. The catastrophic flooding, which has plagued the region since June 2, is attributed to unprecedented rainfall linked to climate change, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.
The situation remains dire as hundreds of rescue workers frantically search for survivors in Buner, a district severely impacted by torrential rains and cloudbursts that struck on Friday. Spokesman for the emergency services, Mohammad Suhail, confirmed that dozens of homes have been swept away, leaving communities shattered and in urgent need of assistance.
The majority of the fatalities occurred in the worst-hit villages of Pir Baba and Malik Pura, where residents described the sudden onslaught of floodwaters as overwhelming. Local resident Mohammad Khan, age 53, shared the harrowing experience: “We do not know from where the floodwater came, but it came so fast that many could not leave their homes.” Tragically, many victims succumbed before reaching medical facilities, according to Dr. Mohammad Tariq, who reported that children and men comprised a significant portion of the deceased.
In the past week alone, the provincial disaster management authority has reported a staggering 351 deaths across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Meanwhile, neighboring Indian-controlled Kashmir is also reeling from floods, which have taken dozens of lives and displaced hundreds of families.
The frequency of such catastrophic cloudbursts has been exacerbated by climate change, as experts warn of increasing occurrences in the Himalayan regions of both India and Pakistan. In response to the crisis, officials have evacuated over 3,500 tourists trapped in flood-affected areas, despite many ignoring government advisories to stay away from these perilous regions.
The ongoing disaster echoes the severity of last year’s monsoon season, which resulted in more than 1,700 deaths and inflicted an estimated $A61 billion in damages. As rescue efforts continue, the immediate focus remains on locating survivors and providing aid to those impacted by this unfolding humanitarian crisis.
Authorities are urging residents and tourists alike to remain vigilant and heed warnings as the risk of further landslides and flash floods persists. The situation is fluid, and updates will continue to emerge as rescuers work tirelessly to help those in need.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this developing story.
