Flash floods, landslides kill more than 300 in Pakistan's KP

At least 307 people have been killed in flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) over the past 48 hours, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed on Friday (August 15).

The highest casualties were reported in Buner district, where 184 people lost their lives. Fatalities have also been recorded in Bajaur, Torghar, Mansehra, Shangla and other districts, reports DAWN.

The provincial government has declared Buner, Swat and several adjoining areas as disaster zones.

Rescue officials said 3,817 people have been affected, while 32 remain missing. Nearly 2,000 personnel, supported by 90 vehicles and boats, are engaged in rescue and relief operations. Efforts have been hampered as road networks remain blocked.

According to the PDMA reports, 74 houses were damaged in the recent rains, 11 of them completely destroyed. Authorities have allocated Rs500 million for emergency relief in the province.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the National Disaster Management Authority to expedite relief efforts. The Pakistan Army has dispatched over 600 tonnes of food supplies and begun repairing and constructing temporary bridges in the affected areas.

Additionally, 11 people were killed and 417 houses damaged in Azad Kashmir, while 12 deaths were reported from Gilgit-Baltistan.