Over 160 Feared Dead As Flash Floods Ravage Pakistan; Several Missing
Heavy monsoon rains and a series of cloudbursts have triggered widespread landslides and flash floods across northern Pakistan, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. At least 160 people are feared dead in Buner district in northwest Pakistan after devastating floods struck the area on Friday, reported the Associated Press.
Local authorities declared a state of emergency in Buner on Friday, where dozens were reported injured, and hundreds of homes destroyed. The total death toll across the region is believed to have surpassed 200 in the last 24 hours, with many still missing.
Big Breaking from Pakistan 🇵🇰 🚨43 dead,14 injured,Due to heavy rains and powerful floods in Pakhtunkhwa province Pakistam 🇵🇰.
Evacuations underway,but, forecasters warn the downpour may last until Aug 21.
Watch Video. pic.twitter.com/RR54lcQkWC
— Mayank (@mayankcdp) August 15, 2025
In a related tragedy, a helicopter carrying relief supplies to flood-affected region of Bajaur crashed due to bad weather, claiming the lives of all five people on board, including two pilots. According to Al Jazeera, the helicopter was a military aircraft.
'An MI-17 helicopter of the provincial government, carrying relief goods for rain-affected areas of Bajaur, crashed in the Pandiyali area of Mohmand district due to bad weather," said Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in a statement.
In Mansehra district, rescuers reportedly saved 1,300 stranded tourists who were cut off due to landslides on Thursday. At least 35 people were reported missing across these regions. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a warning for continued heavy rainfall in the northwest, urging residents to avoid 'unnecessary exposure to vulnerable areas."
According to AP, many victims died in sudden flash floods or when their homes collapsed. A government statement said ambulances transported more than 100 bodies to local hospitals.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) claims that the latest fatalities bring the toll of rain-related deaths in Pakistan to 556 since June 26 this year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during an emergency meeting, directed the NDMA to coordinate evacuations of tourists and provide immediate assistance to flood victims.
Flash floods and landslides have also struck several Himalayan regions in northern India, where 60 people have been reported dead after a cloudburst in Chosoti, a remote village in Kishtwar district. The village, accessible by motor vehicles along the annual Hindu pilgrimage route, was inundated. Authorities said the pilgrimage, which began on July 25 and was set to end on September 5, has been suspended due to the disaster, with several pilgrims still missing.
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