Peshawar – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been plunged into a state of emergency following the seventh spell of this year’s monsoon, which has brought torrential rains, deadly cloudbursts, and flash floods, causing unprecedented destruction across multiple districts.
As of the latest reports, nearly 340 people have lost their lives, while hundreds remain missing, prompting fears that the death toll may rise further.Among the worst hit areas is Buner, where 41 victims were laid to rest in a heart wrenching mass funeral that saw grief stricken families and mourners weeping uncontrollably.Collective prayers were held, seeking divine intervention in the face of the ongoing calamity.
In response to the devastation, the provincial government has declared Buner, Bajaur, Mansehra, and Battagram as disaster stricken districts.These regions have suffered severe human and material losses, with several villages completely wiped off the map.Pir Baba in Buner has been identified as the most affected area, with dozens of settlements obliterated. Desperate families are still searching for their missing loved ones amidst the rubble and flood debris.
Relief and rescue operations are underway, with the Pakistan Army, local police, Rescue 1122, and various humanitarian organizations working tirelessly to clear debris and deliver aid.A flood emergency has been officially declared in Buner to facilitate prompt relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Tragedy struck further when a government owned rescue helicopter crashed during a relief mission due to poor weather conditions, resulting in the martyrdom of five crew members, including two pilots.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced an initial relief package of PKR 500 million, while comprehensive damage assessments are still ongoing.Preliminary estimates suggest that the recent spell of monsoon rains and floods has inflicted historic losses across the province.Numerous vehicles have also been swept away by the raging waters.
Meanwhile, the Kabul River is witnessing a dangerous rise in water levels.At Nowshera, water flow has reached 90,000 cusecs, although the river’s capacity can accommodate up to 240,000 cusecs.Authorities have stated that while the river hasn’t crossed the danger mark yet, early warnings have been issued in low-lying areas of Charsadda as a precautionary measure.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally contacted the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property and assured full federal support in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Authorities continue to urge the public to move to safer locations, remain vigilant, and avoid spreading or believing in rumors, as further updates are awaited.