Northern Pakistan in crisis: Flash floods hit Buner KP

Flash floods hit Buner hardest as death toll in northern Pakistan tops 340

Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—Flash floods hit Buner with devastating force, making it the worst-affected district in a catastrophic spell of monsoon rains across northern Pakistan. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s death toll has risen to at least 332, with the overall toll across the wider region surpassing 340. When combined with confirmed fatalities in Gilgit-Baltistan (12) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (9), the total climbs to at least 353 lives lost—numbers that officials warn may still rise as search and rescue operations continue.

In Buner alone, authorities reported 208 deaths within the past 48 hours, alongside at least 120 injured and 50 people still missing, according to the Deputy Commissioner’s office and PDMA’s situation report. The scale of the tragedy is compounded by intense cloudbursts and fast-rising waters that overwhelmed communities, washed away homes, and disrupted access to entire localities.

Adding to the heartbreak, five crew members of a provincial government helicopter lost their lives when their aircraft crashed in Mohmand district during relief and rescue operations, PDMA confirmed.

State of emergency and government response

• The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has declared a state of emergency in the Flash floods hit Buner hardest-hit districts: Buner, Bajaur, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Torghar, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, and Battagram. The emergency will remain in force until August 31.
• Local administrations have been authorized to mobilize all available resources for search, rescue, and relief. PDMA has begun dispatching tents, non-food items, and other essential supplies from central stocks to affected areas.
• The KP government has released Rs1 billion to PDMA for immediate response and compensation, and allocated over Rs1.55 billion to the Communication and Works Department to restore damaged highways and bridges.

District-by-district impact at a glance

Figures are based on PDMA’s situation reports and district administration updates and may change as assessments continue.

District	Reported deaths	Injured	Missing	Notable damage/notes
Buner	208	120	50	Worst-hit; widespread flash flooding
Shangla	37	N/A	N/A	One school impacted
Mansehra	23	N/A	N/A	Emergency declared
Swat	22	N/A	N/A	Two schools damaged
Bajaur	21	N/A	N/A	Emergency declared
Battagram	15	N/A	N/A	Emergency declared
Lower Dir	5	N/A	N/A	Emergency declared
Abbottabad	1 (child)	N/A	N/A	Drowning incident
KP-wide housing	11 destroyed	—	—	63 houses partially damaged (KP total)

Telecom and connectivity: restoration underway

Floodwaters damaged multiple cellular and fixed-line sites, Flash floods hit Buner causing service disruptions in pockets of KP. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) says its teams are on the ground coordinating with federal and provincial authorities, district administrations, and telecom operators to restore connectivity swiftly—critical for both rescue coordination and families trying to reach loved ones.

• PTA officials met in Buner with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Deputy Commissioner Kashif Qayum, and senior representatives of PTCL and cellular mobile operators to review recovery timelines.
• Mobile operator Jazz has announced free on-net and PTCL calls for all subscribers in KP to help residents connect during the emergency.
• Nationwide, the Government of Pakistan’s unified PEHL 911 emergency helpline is active and free to use.

Why this flooding turned deadly so fast

Flash floods occur when extreme rainfall—often cloudbursts—hits steep terrain and narrow valleys, creating torrents that rise in minutes.Flash floods hit Buner Much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s northern belt, including Buner and Malakand Division districts, is especially vulnerable to such rapid-onset events: saturated soils, fragile slopes, and debris-laden flows amplify destruction, while landslides and washed-out bridges block access just when help is most needed. Climate variability is increasing the intensity of short, extreme rainfall bursts across South Asia, which can turn a severe monsoon spell into a life-threatening catastrophe.

What authorities say is next

• Search and rescue: District administrations, Rescue 1122, the military, and volunteer teams are working to reach cut-off communities. Missing persons lists are being updated regularly.
• Relief: In Flash floods hit Buner PDMA is distributing tents, bedding, and essential items; community shelters are being set up where possible.
• Roads and bridges: Emergency repairs are prioritized to reopen critical arteries for relief convoys and ambulances.
• Communications: Operators are moving in backup power, portable towers, and fiber repairs as weather conditions allow.

If you’re in the affected areas: safety checklist

• Call 911 (PEHL) for emergencies; follow instructions from local authorities.
• Stay away from riverbanks, dry streambeds (nullahs), and landslide-prone slopes—even after water levels recede.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges; just 15–30 cm of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
• Keep phones charged; pack essentials (ID, medicines, water, a flashlight, power bank) in a go-bag.
• Use SMS or data calls when possible to ease network congestion.
• Monitor official updates from PDMA KP, district administrations, and PTA.

How you can help

• Donate to reputable, transparent organizations with disaster response footprints in KP, such as the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Edhi Foundation, and Alkhidmat Foundation. Verify official channels before sending funds.
• Contribute priority items via vetted drives: clean drinking water, ORS, ready-to-eat food, tents, bedding, hygiene kits, and baby supplies.
• Consider blood donations through recognized hospitals and blood banks.
• Share credible information only; avoid spreading unverified posts that may hinder rescue operations.

Voices from the ground

Residents and first responders describe walls of water rushing through narrow valleys, sweeping away anything in their path. With access roads blocked and communications down in some pockets, families are relying on neighbors, mosques, and community centers for shelter and information while they await relief. Local volunteers have been pivotal, guiding search teams and helping evacuate those in harm’s way.