KP Floods 307 Dead State Mourning Declared
KP in Mourning as Floods Claim Hundreds of Lives
Peshawar – The death toll from the devastating floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has risen sharply, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirming 307 fatalities. Among the victims are 279 men, 15 women, and 13 children. At least 23 people have also been injured, including 17 men, four women, and two children.
District-wise data shows Buner as the hardest hit, with 184 deaths reported. Other districts include Shangla (35), Mansehra (23), Bajaur (21), Swat (20), Battagram (15), and Lower Dir (5). Fatal incidents have been reported in multiple areas, including Swat, Buner, Bajaur, Torghar, Shangla, and Battagram.
The PDMA further stated that 74 houses have been damaged so far, of which 63 were partially destroyed and 11 completely demolished.
Mourning Declared Across KP
In response to the tragedy, the KP government has declared a day of mourning. The provincial flag is flying at half-mast following the martyrdom of five crew members in a helicopter crash during relief operations in Bajaur. The MI-17 helicopter, carrying food and aid supplies, went down in Salarzai. All personnel onboard lost their lives and will be laid to rest with full state honors.
Emergency Helpline and Control Rooms
Under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the federal government has reactivated the 911 emergency helpline nationwide. The system is designed to function even in areas where mobile towers are damaged, ensuring citizens in disaster zones can still seek help.
Meanwhile, the KP Local Government Department has set up a special control room at the Directorate General. Staff have been assigned around-the-clock duties to monitor the evolving flood situation and coordinate emergency responses.
PM Shehbaz Orders Swift Relief Efforts
Chairing a high-level meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to work closely with the KP government and utilize all available resources for rescue and relief operations.
He directed that essential supplies, including rations and medicines, be urgently dispatched to flood-affected areas. The NDMA chairman briefed the Prime Minister on the damage caused by the ongoing heavy rains and flooding.
Pakistan Army Steps In
The Pakistan Army has pledged full support to flood victims. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir announced that soldiers will donate one day’s salary for rehabilitation efforts. In addition, the Army has allocated one day’s worth of rations — more than 600 tons — for distribution to affected families. Extra troops have also been deployed to reinforce relief operations.
Flood Situation Worsens
Despite ongoing rescue missions, the PDMA has warned that intermittent heavy rainfall is expected until August 21, which could further aggravate the crisis.
In Mansehra, lightning and a cloudburst triggered more flooding, adding to the destruction. Meanwhile, in Swat’s Mingora, Malam Jabba, Khwazakhela, Haji Baba, and Marghazar, low-lying areas remain submerged, displacing hundreds of families. Many residents, including women and children, have climbed onto rooftops to escape rising waters, while others are evacuating on their own.
Survivors in multiple districts have appealed to the government for faster rescue operations and immediate arrangements for shelter.
Rescue teams from PDMA, local authorities, and volunteers remain engaged in emergency operations across the province.
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