Deadly Monsoon Rains Trigger Flash Flooding in Pakistan
At least 20 people have died as new monsoon rains triggered devastating floods in northwestern Pakistan, officials confirmed Monday. The worst-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province saw entire villages swept away, with rescuers searching for 150 missing individuals amid ongoing downpours.
Villages Destroyed as Rescue Efforts Halted
A local official in Swabi district reported that a cloudburst in the Gadoon area destroyed multiple homes, killing more than 20 people. Three to five villages were completely wiped out due to the intense rainfall.
Rescue operations have been hampered by continued heavy rains, which have damaged temporary access routes. “Dozens of bodies remain buried under mud and rocks, recoverable only with heavy machinery,” said Nisar Ahmad, a volunteer in Buner district.
No Warning Before Disaster Struck
Residents reported receiving no prior alerts before the flash floods hit. Many sought refuge on rooftops or fled to higher ground, but the sudden deluge left little time for evacuation.
“Even light rain now terrifies us,” said Ghulam Hussain, a Buner resident. “People were caught off guard and swept away.” The floods have also killed livestock, raising concerns over contaminated water and disease.
Government Response and Climate Crisis Impact
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting to assess relief efforts, with initial flood damage estimates exceeding $445,000. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister urged residents to avoid building near waterways to prevent future tragedies.
Pakistan’s National Disaster Agency reported this year’s monsoon intensity is 50-60% higher than last year’s, with over 650 deaths nationwide since the season began. Experts attribute the extreme weather to climate change, as Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to its effects.
[Internal link: related-article-url]
Key Takeaways:
- 20 dead, 150 missing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods.
- Rescue efforts disrupted by ongoing heavy rains.
- Government estimates $445,000+ in damages.
- Climate change intensifies monsoon severity.
To read more about this, you can visit Aljazeera.com.
Disclaimer: The image featured in this article was created using AI. It does not depict a real person, object, or event.
