Pakistan is reeling under one of its deadliest flood disasters in recent years, with at least 243 lives lost and dozens more still unaccounted for after days of relentless rain.
The Buner district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the worst affected, where floodwaters swept away entire villages on Friday, leaving 157 dead in a single day. Emergency has been declared in the district as rescuers continue to battle against collapsed roads, landslides, and surging waters. Boats and helicopters are being used to reach stranded families, while ambulances have transported over 100 bodies to nearby hospitals.
In Mansehra district, disaster-response teams worked through the night to rescue nearly 2,000 tourists who were trapped in the scenic Siran Valley after flash floods and landslides cut off access routes. Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Bajaur, where a relief helicopter crashed in stormy weather, killing all five on board, including two pilots.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered urgent evacuation of stranded families and tourists, directing the disaster-management authority to intensify relief operations. The national agency has now issued fresh warnings about glacial lake outburst floods in the northern regions and advised travellers to stay away from risky areas.
Since late June, more than 550 people have died across Pakistan in rain-related incidents, with Gilgit-Baltistan suffering repeated floods and landslides that have cut off stretches of the Karakoram Highway. Experts warn that the pattern of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides is becoming more frequent due to the accelerating effects of climate change. Studies indicate that Pakistan&rsquo;s monsoon rainfall has intensified significantly in recent years, with heavier downpours amplifying disaster risks.
The catastrophe has revived painful memories of the 2022 floods, which killed over 1,700 people and caused damages running into billions of dollars. With the current crisis, authorities fear that Pakistan may once again face widespread displacement, food shortages, and economic strain.

Pak floods: 243 dead,chopper crash,dozens missing

Buner hit hardest as rescue ops struggle amid rising climate disasters

Pak floods:243 dead, chopper crash,dozens missing

Buner hit hardest as rescue ops struggle amid rising climate disasters

August 16, 2025 | 17:15 IST