KEY POINTS
- Heavy rains and floods since June 26 have killed 785 people
- Over 4,700 homes destroyed and 5,450 livestock lost
- Pakistan Army teams are rescuing stranded people, clearing roads, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure
ISLAMABAD: Heavy monsoon rains and flash floods have killed at least 785 people and injured more than 1,000 across Pakistan between June 26 and August 22, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Friday.
The northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been the worst-hit, with more than 469 deaths since late June.
Other affected areas include Punjab with 165 fatalities, Gilgit-Baltistan with 45, Sindh with 51, Balochistan with 24, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir with 23 deaths.
Alongside the tragic loss of life, the floods have damaged or destroyed over 4,700 homes and swept away around 5,450 animals.
Many communities are still facing flood threats as the monsoon season continues.
More rain forecast
The NDMA on Friday warned that more rain and thunderstorms are expected from August 23, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides.
Authorities have been advised to closely monitor vulnerable areas, conduct evacuation drills in at-risk communities, keep rescue teams and equipment on standby, and launch awareness campaigns to educate people about flood safety and evacuation plans.
Army continues rescue, relief efforts
The Pakistan Army’s Urban Search and Rescue teams are actively working in Buner, Shangla, and Swat districts, helping to locate injured people and recover bodies using specialized equipment.
The Army Engineers are rebuilding damaged bridges and clearing blocked roads, while helicopters are rescuing those stranded in remote areas.
Disease outbreak
At the same time, a major health crisis is unfolding in flood-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where over 164,000 people have been treated for illnesses.
According to Provincial Health Secretary Shahidullah, cases of cholera, dengue, malaria, skin diseases, and respiratory infections are rising fast.
Cholera has infected more than 2,500 people, mostly in Lower Dir, Swat, and Buner, while malaria and dengue are spreading in Shangla, Swat, and Torghar.
Health officials have also reported over 2,200 respiratory cases, numerous skin infections, and 35 incidents of snake and dog bites.
Mental health concerns are rising as well, with psychiatrists deployed to support traumatised flood survivors.
Health teams and mobile hospitals are operating in the affected areas, and vaccines have been sent to tackle the spread of diseases.
