Khayber Pakhtunkhwa Declared Disaster-Struck After Cloudbursts and Landslides
Death Toll Rises to 200 in KP as Authorities Declare Flood Emergency
Widespread Destruction in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The seventh spell of monsoon rains has brought widespread devastation to Pakistan's upper regions, with the death toll in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone surpassing 200 people. The calamity, caused by cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, has also left dozens injured and several missing. The Deputy Commissioner of Buner confirmed 91 deaths in his district, which, along with Bajaur, Battagram, and Mansehra, has been declared a disaster-stricken area.
The intense rainfall and resulting flash floods have paralyzed life, causing river overflows, land erosion, and the closure of key roads. In response to the crisis, a flood emergency has been declared in Buner. The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts that the heavy rains will continue intermittently until August 21st, raising fears of further destruction.
NDMA and PDMA Reports
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a total of 150 people died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 24 hours due to rains, floods, landslides, and lightning strikes. The victims include 128 men, 9 women, and 13 children. Additionally, the NDMA reported 5 deaths in Gilgit-Baltistan and 9 in Azad Kashmir. Both the Pakistan Army and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) are engaged in extensive rescue operations, urging citizens to take safety precautions.
The PDMA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa released its own report, stating a total of 189 fatalities and 21 injuries. The report confirmed that 91 people died in Buner, 23 each in Shangla and Mansehra, 21 in Bajaur, 15 in Battagram, 11 in Swat, and 5 in Lower Dir. The floods have also damaged 45 houses, killed 43 animals, and rendered many roads impassable.
Government and Military Response
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has released a total of Rs50 crore for the most affected districts: Rs15 crore for Buner, Rs10 crore each for Bajaur, Battagram, and Mansehra, and Rs5 crore for Swat. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has announced a day of mourning throughout the province.
The Pakistan Army has launched a flood relief operation in the most affected areas of Swat and Bajaur, utilizing helicopters to rescue stranded individuals and provide urgent supplies like rations and medicine. The local population has praised the army's prompt response.
Impact Across Regions - Pakistan Army and NDMA Launch Massive Relief and Rescue Operations
The devastation extends beyond Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Azad Kashmir, 18 people have died from cloudbursts and landslides, which have cut off land links in many areas. Similarly, in Gilgit-Baltistan, 10 people have died in floods, and major roads like the Shandur and Deosai roads are blocked, leaving a large number of tourists stranded.
The Prime Minister has instructed the NDMA to coordinate with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to expedite relief and rescue efforts. In Punjab, the PDMA has issued a fact sheet indicating low-level floods in the Indus, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers, with some areas of Sindh also bracing for heavy rainfall in the coming week.
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