Devastating floods triggered by heavy rains and cloudbursts have caused massive loss of life and property across Pakistan, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) the worst hit.

Since August 15, at least 358 people have died and 181 others have been injured in KP alone, prompting the closure of schools across Swat and the entire Malakand Division.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast further rains with thunderstorms across most parts of the country over the next 24 hours, raising the risk of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding.

In a joint press briefing, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt-Gen Inam Haider Malik detailed the scale of devastation and ongoing relief operations.

DG ISPR briefing

Lt Gen Chaudhry said relief operations were underway on the instructions of Field Marshal Syed Gen Asim Munir.

Three medical units and six field camps were operational in KP, where 6,304 patients have received treatment.

He said army engineers were repairing damaged bridges and roads, while PTA and army teams worked to restore communications.

Eight search and rescue teams were deployed, while helicopters continued delivering food and relief goods.

“Floods damaged 90 roads in KP, of which 86 have been partially restored,” he said.

“The Karakoram Highway, blocked at eight points in Gilgit-Baltistan, has been reopened. The Pakistan Air Force is also active, sending relief via C-130 aircraft.”

Information minister’s remarks

Minister Attaullah Tarar said urban flooding caused a severe loss of lives and property.

On the prime minister’s directives, relief operations have been accelerated, with 25,000 people already shifted to safer places.

He said power supply in Shangla, Bajaur, and Swat had been severely disrupted but 70% restored.

Malakand and Bisham roads, as well as the N-90 highway, had been reopened.

Over 1,200 tents had been dispatched to affected areas, and a special medical team was sent from PIMS Hospital.

“NDMA, the army, and federal and provincial governments are working under a coordinated strategy,” he said.

“The PM has made it clear that the nation will overcome this crisis with a unified response.”

NDMA update

NDMA Chairman Lt-Gen Malik said glacier melts and cloudbursts caused the flooding in northern areas.

Since mid-August, 670 deaths and over 1,000 injuries have been reported nationwide. About 25,000 people have been rescued and given medical aid.

He warned of another strong rain spell by August 23. Relief packages, including rations and medicines, were being sent to five districts of KP.

“About 50% of road restoration is complete,” he added.

“A full damage assessment will be shared with the government after surveys.”

PDMA figures for KP

The PDMA confirmed 358 deaths in KP, including 287 men, 41 women, and 30 children. Another 181 were injured, and 780 homes were damaged – 349 completely destroyed and 431 partially.

Buner district was the worst hit with 225 deaths, followed by Swat, Bajaur, Mansehra, Shangla, Lower Dir, Battagram, and Swabi.

PDMA warned that heavy rains could persist until August 21, with urban flooding likely in Punjab, Islamabad, Peshawar, and parts of Sindh.

National toll rises

According to NDMA, 35 more people died in the last 24 hours, taking the national death toll to 695 since June 26.

The worst losses were reported in KP (425 deaths), followed by Punjab (164), Gilgit-Baltistan (32), Sindh (29), Balochistan (22), AJK (15), and Islamabad (8).

Floods have also injured 958 people nationwide, destroyed 2,707 homes, and killed over 1,000 livestock.

Rescue operations in Swabi

In Swabi district, rescue workers recovered 11 more bodies from the debris of homes destroyed by a cloudburst, bringing the total recovered to 21.

A woman rescued alive later died in the hospital. Twelve victims were buried in a local graveyard after funeral prayers. Rescue teams said 13 to 14 people were still trapped under rubble.

Schools closed across Malakand Division

The KP government announced the closure of all public and private educational institutions in flood-affected areas, including Swat and Malakand Division, until August 25.

Army, FWO reopen key Skardu road in 24 hours

The Pakistan Army, Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), and National Highway Authority (NHA) reopened a key road near Skardu, washed away by flash floods.

The operation, expected to take several days, was completed within 24 hours under military and civil leadership.

The reopening restored ground links with Skardu, easing the movement of people and goods.

Locals praised the army’s efforts, calling them a source of “hope and relief” in difficult times.