Torrential rains and flash floods have unleashed unprecedented devastation in Buner district, killing at least 213 people, injuring hundreds, and leaving dozens missing, according to local authorities. Rescue officials warn that the death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue in remote and hard-hit areas.
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Gadezi tehsil reported the highest casualties, with more than 150 lives lost, while around 850 residents were evacuated to safer ground. In Dagar tehsil, 25 fatalities were confirmed, though emergency teams managed to rescue 160 others. In Gulbandi, a single household faced unimaginable tragedy as 22 family members were buried under rubble when floodwaters collapsed their home. Chagharzai reported 38 bodies recovered and 35 injured shifted to nearby hospitals.
Entire villages, markets, and roads have been washed away, leaving thousands homeless. Officials described the damage to homes, shops, and infrastructure as “unprecedented” in Buner’s history.
Rescue 1122 teams, aided by special units from Swabi and Peshawar, are conducting round-the-clock operations using boats, heavy machinery, and emergency medical support.
Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately, with weather warnings still in effect.
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The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that 189 people were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone within the last 24 hours. Nationwide, flash floods and cloudbursts have claimed at least 256 lives in KP, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The PDMA report revealed that 163 men, 14 women, and 12 children were among the deceased. At least 38 houses were partially damaged, while seven homes were completely destroyed.
The KP Chief Minister has ordered urgent relief and rescue efforts. The provincial government has allocated Rs500 million for flood-hit areas, with Rs150 million designated for Buner, Rs100 million each for Bajaur, Battagram, and Mansehra, and Rs50 million for Swat.
Officials stress that continued rain poses further risks, and efforts are being intensified to reach isolated communities.
