The death toll in rains, cloudbursts, landslides and lightning strikes in Azad Kashmir, Gilgit and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reached 540, with more than 200 people still missing.

The worst-affected district of Buner has been completely devastated, with piles of rubble and heartbreaking scenes of destruction visible everywhere.

In a media briefing, Buner Deputy Commissioner Kashif Qayyum said that the scale of destruction is unprecedented.

So far, 401 deaths, 671 injuries and loss of 4,054 livestock have been confirmed.

A total of 2,300 houses have been completely destroyed, 413 partially damaged, six government schools and two police stations swept away, along with 639 vehicles.

Additionally, 217 shops were completely destroyed, and 824 were partially affected.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur visited Buner and other flood-affected areas to assess the damage caused by the floods.

During the visit, he announced the establishment of settlements for the victims.

In a veiled reference to the federal government, he said the KP government has the necessary resources for the rehabilitation of flood victims, and it will not beg for any help.

Speaking at a press conference in Swat, Gandapur said that compensation must be ensured for the families of the deceased and the injured.

An amount of Rs1.5 billion has been released for the purpose. He also praised the performance of all departments working in the flood-affected areas.

Gandapur visited Swat on Sunday, where he chaired a high-level meeting in Saidu Sharif. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, secretaries of various departments, members of the assembly and civil administration officials.

The chief minister was given a detailed briefing during the meeting regarding the damage caused by floods in Swat and other areas of Malakand Division.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the chief minister said that a survey has been initiated to introduce modern technology in dangerous and sensitive areas of the province so that the risks of mudslides and rock floods could be reduced.