The death toll from flash floods in northwestern Pakistan has surpassed 300, with at least 337 people killed and dozens still missing.
The floods were triggered by torrential rains and cloudbursts in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, particularly in the mountainous district of Buner. Emergency teams, including the Pakistan Army, have been deployed to assist in rescue efforts.
According to Mohammad Suhail, a spokesman for the emergency service, 54 bodies were recovered in Buner after hours-long efforts. “Several villagers remained missing,” he said, adding that search operations were focused on areas where homes were flattened by powerful water currents carrying massive boulders.
The floods have also caused devastation in Indian-administered Kashmir, with at least seven people killed and five others injured in the Kathua district.
Residents in Buner have accused officials of failing to warn them about the impending floods, which they believe could have saved lives.
“Survivors escaped with nothing,” said Mohammad Iqbal, a school teacher in Pir Baba village. “If people had been informed earlier, lives could have been saved and residents could have moved to safer places.”
The government has defended its emergency response, stating that the sudden downpour was so intense that the deluge struck before residents could be alerted.
Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, attributed the extreme weather to climate change, noting that Pakistan has received 50 percent more rainfall than usual since the monsoon season began in June.
“Pakistan is experiencing shifting weather patterns because of climate change,” he said, warning of more intense weather to come.
Asfandyar Khan Khattak, director-general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, acknowledged that predicting cloudbursts with exact timing and location is currently beyond global forecasting capabilities.
The floods have resulted in widespread destruction, with homes, roads, and infrastructure damaged or destroyed. According to reports, over 600 people have lost their lives in Pakistan since June 26, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
The government has allocated funds for rescue, relief, and compensation, with the Pakistan Army playing a key role in supporting relief efforts.
The Pakistan Army has pledged one day’s salary of its personnel to the relief fund and allocated over 600 tonnes of rations for flood victims.
The Corps of Engineers has been tasked with repairing damaged bridges and setting up temporary crossings where necessary.
Army helicopters and aviation units have been actively engaged in rescue and relief operations across the worst-hit districts.
The government has released Rs 1.5 billion to the PDMA for rescue, relief, and compensation, and another Rs 1.5 billion to the communication and works department for the repair of roads and infrastructure.
The meteorological department has forecast more deluges and possible landslides between now and Tuesday, urging local administrations to remain on alert.
Rescue operations are facing challenges due to damaged roads and mobile towers, hindering communication and access to affected areas.
The government faces a daunting task in rehabilitating affected communities and rebuilding infrastructure in the face of climate change-induced extreme weather events.