Deadly Floods in Pakistan: 650 Lives Lost, 918 Injured as Relief Efforts Continue
Web Desk
16 August, 2025 10:10
Deadly Floods in Pakistan: Over 344 Lives Lost, Thousands Affected as Relief Efforts Continue
Islamabad– The destruction caused by floods continues across Pakistan, with the total death toll rising to 650, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The NDMA reported that so far 918 people have been injured nationwide. In the last 24 hours alone, five more people lost their lives and 19 others were injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the worst-hit province, where the death toll has climbed to 313. In Punjab, 164 fatalities have been recorded. Gilgit-Baltistan and Sindh have each reported 28 deaths, while 20 people have died in Balochistan due to stormy conditions. In Azad Kashmir, 14 deaths have been reported, and in Islamabad, 8 people have lost their lives, the NDMA said. Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Asfandyar Khattak said in a press conference that the recent floods and heavy rains have claimed 313 lives and left 156 people injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Khattak, the floods have caused widespread damage, with 59 houses destroyed, 22 bridges washed away, and 157 livestock killed. He stated that 54 trucks loaded with relief goods have been dispatched to the affected areas. The provincial government has so far released Rs 1.5 billion, while Rs 500 million have been allocated specifically for Buner district. The DG PDMA added that an emergency has been declared in all affected districts to ensure immediate response and relief efforts. The KP government has released Rs500 million for flood-affected districts, including Rs15 million for Buner and Rs10 million each for Bajaur, Battagram, and Mansehra. All these areas have been declared disaster zones. Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Asfandyar Khattaksated in a press briefing stated that 54 trucks loaded with relief goods have been dispatched to the affected areas. He said that the provincial government has so far released Rs 1.5 billion, while Rs 500 million have been allocated specifically for Buner district. A government relief helicopter crashed in Mohmand District, killing five personnel, including two pilots. The crash was likely caused by poor visibility and dense fog. A day of mourning was observed across KP.313 Dead, 156 Injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rs500 Million Released for Relief
Rescue Helicopter Crash Kills 5 in KP
The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has announced that electricity has been fully restored on 37 feeders in Swat and Buner.
According to a PESCO spokesperson, the Swat Grid, Barikot Grid, and Khwaza Khel Grid are now fully operational.
Power supply on a total of 41 feeders in the two districts had been affected due to floods. Repair work on the remaining four feeders is still underway and is taking time due to fallen poles.
CM Ali Amin Gandapur Visits Flood-Affected Areas in Buner
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur on Sunday visited the flood-affected areas of Bashonai and Pir Baba to assess damages and review ongoing relief operations.
During the visit, the Chief Minister met with victims of the floods and expressed condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones.
“The loss of precious human lives in the floods is deeply saddening,” CM Gandapur said, adding that “the provincial government shares the grief of the affected people equally.”
He assured the victims that the provincial government would fully compensate for everyone’s losses.
Pakistan Army Relief Operations in Gilgit-Baltistan
Relief operations are continuing in flood-affected areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.
In a remarkable effort, the civil administration and Pakistan Army restored Baghicha Road in just 18 hours. The road closure had completely cut off Skardu from other regions, causing severe disruption.
With the restoration of the road, both passenger and goods vehicles have resumed movement, providing much-needed relief to the local population.
Despite this achievement, post-disaster restoration in Skardu remains a major challenge. The joint efforts of the Army and civil administration have once again made the impossible possible.
Pakistan Army Flood Relief Operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Relief operations are underway in flood-affected areas of Mansehra, Neelban, and Battagram, where the Pakistan Army is providing assistance to local communities.
Upon public request, an Army relief team was dispatched to Neelban. With road access severely damaged, the team covered 8 kilometers on foot to reach the affected area.
On-site, Army personnel provided first aid to the injured, while critical patients were shifted to the Rural Health Clinic, Chattar Plain. A medical camp was also established in the area, where over 100 patients received treatment.
The relief package included medicines, first aid, and food supplies. Medicines provided were for pain, fever, stomach issues, skin conditions, and infections. In addition, the most-affected families were supplied with milk and food items.
Rescue efforts were hindered by bad weather, landslides, and inaccessible routes. During their return, the Army team also engaged in road clearance to restore mobility.
Locals expressed gratitude for the Army’s timely arrival and praised their humanitarian efforts in extending much-needed relief during the crisis.
PDMA DG Asfandyar Khattak Briefs Media on Flood Situation
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Asfandyar Khattak, in a press conference, shared updates on the devastating flood situation across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He reported that 313 people have lost their lives while 156 others sustained injuries due to the floods. The disaster has also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with 59 houses damaged, 22 bridges destroyed, and 157 livestock perished.
Relief efforts are underway, with the PDMA dispatching 54 truckloads of relief goods to the affected areas. The provincial government has released Rs. 1.5 billion to support relief activities, while Rs. 500 million has been allocated specifically for Buner district so far.
The DG further announced that an emergency has been declared in all affected districts to expedite rescue and relief operations.
Urban Search and Rescue Deployed in Buner, Shangla, and Swat
Buner/Shangla/Swat – The Pakistan Army’s Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) teams from the Corps of Engineers have been deployed to Buner, Shangla, and Swat as part of ongoing rescue efforts.
The teams are tasked with locating injured and deceased individuals trapped under debris. In addition, Army engineers are engaged in reopening broken bridges and clearing blocked routes to restore access in the affected areas.
Rescue operations continue across multiple locations with the support of the Frontier Corps North. Additional Army units also reached various sites last night to reinforce ongoing efforts.
Despite adverse weather conditions, Army helicopters remain actively engaged in rescue missions.
Monsoon Rains to Continue Until 22 August
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that monsoon rains are expected to continue until 22 August, according to Dr. Tayyab Shah. Moderate rainfall is forecast in various cities across Punjab.
NDMA spokesperson Sarah Hassan reported that unusual rainfall has been recorded in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising concerns over potential flood-like conditions in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad.
Providing an update on the situation, Brigadier Kamran confirmed that both Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already faced flooding. He said that Pakistan Army engineers, doctors, and troops are actively engaged in relief efforts.
He further stated that a successful rescue operation was carried out in Buner, while essential supplies are being delivered to affected areas including Buner and Shangla.
NDMA Chairman Assures Measures Underway to Minimize Losses
NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider said extreme summer heat has intensified monsoon activity, causing flash floods and tourist accidents in Gilgit-Baltistan. Monsoon spells are expected to last until early September.
He noted heavy rains damaged Buner, Bajaur, and Battagram, while relief operations continue in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A damage assessment survey will be conducted as per the Prime Minister’s directions, with restoration of communication infrastructure prioritized.
The chairman stressed preventive measures, public awareness campaigns, and highlighted climate change’s severe impact on Pakistan. A complete survey of flood-affected areas will also be carried out.
Prime Minister Directs Acceleration of Rescue and Relief Operations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has remained in constant contact with the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) regarding the delivery of relief goods to flood-affected areas.
The Prime Minister directed that rescue operations in the affected regions be further accelerated. He instructed that tents and medicines be provided to flood victims on a priority basis and emphasized the provision of immediate medical aid and necessary facilities.
Shehbaz Sharif also ordered that passengers stranded on blocked highways be rescued at the earliest and directed that operations be expedited to restore roads blocked by landslides.
The NDMA has been instructed to strengthen coordination with all provinces, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The Authority has also been directed to remain fully prepared for any possible future emergencies.
Russia Extends Condolences Over Flood Losses in Pakistan
Russia has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives caused by devastating floods in Pakistan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his condolences in a letter addressed to President Asif Ali Zardari.
In his message, President Putin expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and extended his sympathy to the families of the deceased. He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured and conveyed best wishes to the families affected by the disaster.
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