PESHAWAR
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that 393 people have lost their lives and 190 others have been injured in various rain and flood-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The agency has also issued a fresh warning of more rains, flash floods, and landslides in the coming days.
According to the PDMA’s latest report, the deceased include 300 men, 53 women, and 40 children, while the injured consist of 145 men, 27 women, and 18 children. Torrential rains and flash floods have also damaged 1,618 houses, of which 1,185 were partially destroyed and 433 completely flattened.
The most affected areas include Swat, Buner, Bajaur, Mansehra, Shangla, Dir-Lower, Battagram, and Swabi. In Buner alone, 234 people have been displaced, while 42 individuals were forced to leave their homes in Swabi.
With the Meteorological Department forecasting more intermittent rains, thunderstorms, and heavy showers from August 23 to 26, the PDMA has warned of possible flooding in rivers, storm drains, and local streams. Districts at high risk include Abbottabad, Mansehra, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Malakand, Kohistan, Buner, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan. Landslides in hilly regions and urban flooding in cities are also possible.
Authorities have cautioned that strong winds and thunderstorms could damage vulnerable houses, power infrastructure, billboards, and solar panels. District administrations have been instructed to clean drainage systems, intensify relief operations, and ensure timely awareness campaigns for residents, tourists, and travelers.
The PDMA has further urged farmers and livestock owners to move their crops and animals to safer areas, while tourists have been advised to avoid visiting dangerous spots during bad weather. Emergency services, medical aid, food supplies, and shelter facilities are being mobilized across the affected districts.
