Cloudburst Causes Widespread Destruction in Swabi, Swat; Several Houses, People Swept Away

Swabi / Swat: A devastating cloudburst in Swabi has triggered flash floods and landslides, submerging several houses and sweeping away people, according to local officials.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Swabi, Nasrullah Khan, confirmed that in Dalori village, many homes were inundated due to the cloudburst. He stated that the floodwaters are flowing with great force, while the mountainous terrain has also caused landslides in different areas.

The DC further said that the district administration, along with rescue and relief teams, has been dispatched to the affected sites. Additional rescue units have also been called in from Haripur and Mardan to support the ongoing operations.

Situation in Swat

Heavy rainfall has caused severe damage across Swat, particularly in Zahirabad, Shaheedabad, Makan Bagh, Mulla Baba, Mohalla Bangladesh, Rahimabad, Kokarai, Mingora, Bishambhar, and Shagai.

Residents reported that in several localities, including Makan Bagh, Saidu Sharif Road, and Mulla Baba, electricity has remained suspended for four days. Mulla Baba Road has still not been reopened for traffic, clean drinking water is in short supply, and poor drainage has further disrupted daily life.

According to the district administration, the rainfall damaged 400 houses in Swat, with many completely destroyed. In addition, 124 educational institutions were affected, out of which three were entirely demolished.

Officials confirmed that following the cloudburst on August 15, torrential rains claimed the lives of 22 people. Relief teams are making efforts to reach all affected areas.

Nationwide Toll

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that ongoing monsoon rains have so far resulted in 660 deaths across Pakistan. Of these, 392 fatalities occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The province-wise breakdown includes: 164 deaths in Punjab, 29 in Sindh, 20 in Balochistan, 32 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 15 in Azad Kashmir, and 8 in Islamabad.

Read More: NDMA Forecasts More Heavy Monsoon Spells Ahead, Issues Flood and Landslide Warning