ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating floods that have swept through parts of Pakistan, claiming more than 344 lives.
In a message of solidarity, the Iranian Ambassador extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Pakistan, particularly the bereaved families, and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
“In this moment of profound grief, our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Pakistan,” the Iranian envoy said, adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran stands fully ready to provide any assistance required to the brotherly nation in this challenging time.
H.E. President Masoud Pezeshkian’s Condolence Message to the government and people of Pakistan after the tragic floods in different regions of the country:
Iran ready for any cooperation, assistance and relief. https://t.co/VYy92PUSX5 pic.twitter.com/bpixXlK1Q7
— Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran- Islamabad (@IraninIslamabad) August 16, 2025
Monsoon rains kill 344
At least 344 people have been killed in the past 48 hours as heavy monsoon rains triggered flash floods and house collapses across northern Pakistan, authorities said on Saturday.
The majority of deaths, 328, were reported in mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said.
Most were killed in flash floods and collapsing houses, while at least 120 others were injured.
The provincial rescue agency said that around 2,000 rescue workers were engaged in recovering bodies from the debris and carrying out relief operations in nine affected districts where rain was still hampering efforts.
“Heavy rainfall, landslides in several areas, and washed-out roads are causing significant challenges in delivering aid, particularly in transporting heavy machinery and ambulances,” said Bilal Ahmed Faizi, spokesman for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rescue agency.
The provincial government has declared the severely affected mountainous districts of Buner, Bajaur, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, and Battagram as disaster-hit areas.
Heavy rain alert
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for Pakistan’s northwest, urging people to take “precautionary measures”.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa disaster management authority has also warned that the spell of heavy rains is likely to continue intermittently until August 21, potentially aggravating the flood situation in vulnerable districts.
Eleven more people were killed in Azad Kashmir, while five died in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan province, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said.
Another five people, including two pilots, were killed when a local government helicopter crashed due to bad weather during a relief mission on Friday.
Rescue and relief operation
Meanwhile Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are continuing flood relief operations.
Frontier Corps North’s helicopter is engaged in relief activities and providing rations and other supplies to the affected people.
People are being evacuated from flood-affected areas to safe places.
The operation will continue till all affected people are rescued and shifted to safe places.
Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has ordered the rehabilitation of flood-affected people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The army chief said that Pakistan Army troops deployed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will fully assist in the rehabilitation of flood-affected people, according to security sources.
In this regard, additional military troops are also being sent.
The Pakistan Army has allocated one day’s salary for the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Pakistan Army has also allocated one day’s rations, which amount to more than 600 tons, for the aid of the flood-affected people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The army chief has issued special instructions to the Corps of Engineers to complete the repair work of bridges quickly; where necessary, temporary bridges should be established.
The army’s K-9 Unit’s Rescue Sniffing Dog Unit is also being sent for search and rescue, security sources.
The army’s special Urban Search and Rescue Team has also been deployed at the instructions of the army chief.
The Pakistan Army’s helicopters and Army Aviation have already been deployed for the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the security sources.
