Devastating Floods and Landslides Kill Over 250 in Northern Pakistan; Emergency Declared in Buner

Torrential rains, cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods have wreaked havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of more than **250 people**.

The **Buner district** was the worst-hit area, where **213 people** lost their lives due to natural calamities. Several others are reported missing. In **Mansehra**, at least **20 people** were killed due to landslides and floodwaters.

In **Bajaur**, a cloudburst led to severe flooding and landslides, resulting in **21 fatalities**. Entire villages were swept away, with homes, livestock, and vehicles submerged in floodwaters. Authorities have declared a **state of emergency** in Buner.

In **Swat**, a raging river swept away everything in its path, and the stream passing through **Mingora** overflowed, flooding homes and approaching connecting bridges.

In **Azad Kashmir**, flash floods destroyed six connecting bridges in **Neelum Valley**, while **11 people** died in various incidents. In **Muzaffarabad**, a cloudburst killed **eight members of a single family**.

**Gilgit-Baltistan** also suffered significant losses. In **Skardu**, five bridges were washed away, while several people were swept away in flash floods in **Chilas**.

Adding to the tragedy, a **rescue helicopter** sent by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to assist flood victims in Bajaur **crashed in Mohmand district**, reportedly due to poor weather and thick fog. The crash killed **five crew members**, including **two pilots**. The deceased’s DNA samples have been sent to Lahore for identification, and their funerals are scheduled for today. The provincial government has declared a **day of mourning** across the province.

Meanwhile, the **National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)** has issued a fresh **weather advisory**, forecasting more **moderate to heavy rainfall** from **August 18 to 22** in already affected regions, including:

* **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:** Chitral, Dir, Haripur, Karak, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, Mansehra, Mohmand, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Bannu, Buner, Hazara, Peshawar, Swabi, Swat, Waziristan and surrounding areas.
* **Gilgit-Baltistan & Azad Kashmir:** Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Shigar, Bagh, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad and nearby regions.

Authorities urge residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions, avoid travel in mountainous regions, and stay informed through official weather alerts.

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