PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has released its latest report on the destruction caused by recent heavy rains and flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as per the source.
According to the PDMA, 313 people have lost their lives, and 156 others were injured. Among the deceased were 263 men, 29 women, and 21 children, while the injured included 123 men, 23 women, and 10 children.
The report further stated that 159 houses were damaged — 97 partially and 62 destroyed.
Buner district suffered the worst losses, with 208 deaths reported. Other badly hit areas include Swat, Bajaur, Torghar, Mansehra, Shangla, and Battagram.
The PDMA has also cautioned that more heavy rains are likely between August 17 and 19, with the wet spell continuing until August 21.
Following the devastation, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ordered the immediate release of relief funds and directed all departments to intensify rescue and relief work.
The KP government observed a day of mourning after the floods caused large-scale destruction. Following the crash of a rescue helicopter in the province, the Chief Minister announced that the provincial flag would remain at half-mast.
He added that the martyrs would be laid to rest with full state honors and prayed for strength for their families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the immediate activation of the 911 emergency helpline nationwide to provide urgent assistance during natural disasters and other emergencies.
The Ministry of Information Technology said the service would be especially helpful in areas where mobile networks remain disrupted.
The KP Local Government Department has established a dedicated control room at the Directorate General to monitor the flood situation and coordinate emergency response. Special staff have been appointed to supervise operations around the clock.
Federal government’s response
Chairing a high-level meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the NDMA to work closely with the KP government and utilise all available resources for relief operations.
He ordered that food supplies, medicines, and other essentials be delivered to affected areas immediately. The NDMA chief briefed the PM on the losses caused by the disaster.
Army’s contribution
The Pakistan Army announced that all personnel would donate one day’s salary to support flood-affected communities.
Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to rehabilitation efforts and deployed additional troops to strengthen relief activities.
Along with the salary contribution, the Army has allocated over 600 tons of rations for distribution among affected families.
Helicopter tragedy
Amid relief operations, the KP government’s MI-17 helicopter carrying relief goods to Salarzai in Bajaur crashed, resulting in the martyrdom of all five crew members on board.