Over 200 Killed in Pakistan as Monsoon Floods Wreak Havoc

News Desk

Islamabad: More than 200 people have been killed in devastating monsoon floods and landslides across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, officials confirmed on Friday.

The worst-hit region is the mountainous province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in northwestern Pakistan, where disaster authorities reported the highest death toll. At least 30 homes have been destroyed, and rescue operations have been severely hampered by extreme weather conditions.

In a tragic incident, a military M-17 helicopter deployed for relief efforts crashed while en route to Bajaur, near the Afghan border. All five crew members on board were killed. Authorities believe poor weather was to blame for the crash.

Nine more deaths were reported in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and another five in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

Government meteorologists have warned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the region until August 21, with several districts already declared disaster zones.

In Buner, one of the worst-affected areas, survivors described scenes of chaos and destruction.

“I heard a loud noise as if the mountain was sliding,” said a local resident, Azizullah, speaking to AFP.
“I rushed outside and saw the entire area shaking, like it was the end of the world. The ground was trembling due to the force of the water—it felt like death was staring me in the face.”

In Bajaur, rescue teams using excavators have been attempting to recover bodies buried under mud and debris. Images from the scene show a crowd gathered around a funeral prayer site, mourning next to several shrouded bodies.

The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, declared a day of mourning across the province in honor of the victims.

Meanwhile, in Indian-administered Kashmir, at least 60 people have been killed after a flash flood swept through a Himalayan village, burying homes under mud and rubble. Dozens are still missing.

The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, brings nearly 75% of South Asia’s annual rainfall, often triggering deadly landslides and flash floods. This year, more than 300 people have died across the region due to monsoon-related incidents.

In Punjab, which houses nearly half of Pakistan’s 255 million people, rainfall in July was recorded at 73% higher than last year, resulting in more deaths than the entire previous monsoon season.

Climate experts warn that the frequency and intensity of such disasters are increasing due to climate change, which has amplified the volatility of weather patterns across South Asia.