Over 300 Dead In Northwest Pakistan As Monsoon Rain Triggers Flash Floods; Buner Worst Hit

Last Updated:August 16, 2025, 15:09 IST

Monsoon rains in Pakistan caused flash floods, killing over 300 people in two days, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Local residents look at flash flooding due to heavy rains in a neighborhood of Mingora, the main town of Swat Valley, northwestern Pakistan, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Image: AP/ File Photo)

As monsoon rains triggered flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts in Pakistan, more than 300 people lost their lives in the northwestern part of the country in just two days, news agency Reuters reported.

Rescue operations are ongoing and emergency funds have been released to support relief efforts, as the heavy rains are expected to batter the neighbouring country until August 21.

The worst spell of this year’s monsoon season has brought widespread devastation to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with cloudbursts, landslides, lightning strikes, and collapsing buildings leading to the highest number of casualties.

Reuters cited Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) as saying that 307 people have been confirmed dead so far, with many still missing.

The Buner district, located around three and a half hours north of Islamabad, has been among the hardest hit, with at least 184 fatalities. Flash floods and falling trees swept away people, homes, and livestock. The report suggests that 93 bodies have been recovered in the district so far, with many women and children still trapped.

In Shangla, another severely affected area, 34 people died, many of them when the roof of a building collapsed under heavy rainfall, provincial Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said, according to the news agency. Shahab Ali Shah added that local officials have been dispatched to oversee relief efforts, assess damage, and provide aid.

Medical camps have been set up, and displaced families are being provided with cooked meals. Heavy machinery is being deployed to reopen blocked roads and restore connectivity.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that both civilian and military teams are working on rescue and relief operations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also chaired an emergency meeting to assess the situation and response efforts.

Further, a rescue helicopter crashed on Friday due to poor weather, killing all five crew members on board.

Besides Pakistan, parts of India and Nepal have also been hit by severe monsoon conditions in recent days.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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Location :

Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published:

August 16, 2025, 15:09 IST

News world Over 300 Dead In Northwest Pakistan As Monsoon Rain Triggers Flash Floods; Buner Worst Hit

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