In the wake of devastating flash floods that have claimed the lives of 341 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government has allocated Rs800 million in relief funds to support affected districts. An additional Rs500 million has been earmarked for Buner, the hardest-hit region, as the government ramps up efforts to provide assistance and restore basic services.
Flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have caused severe destruction, leaving at least 341 dead and 178 injured, as confirmed by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday. The tragic loss of life comes as flash floods continue to ravage the region, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Source: Al Jazeera
In response to the ongoing crisis, the provincial government has announced the release of Rs800 million to provide relief to all flood-affected districts across KP. An additional Rs500 million has been set aside specifically for Buner, which has suffered the heaviest toll with 222 deaths and 120 injuries. The region is grappling with extensive damage, including the collapse of roofs and the destruction of over 90 homes.
Shangla, another district heavily impacted by the floods, has reported 36 deaths and 21 injuries, along with significant damage to infrastructure. As the monsoon rains persist, with more torrential downpours expected until September, the federal government has pledged further support to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered comprehensive measures to aid the victims, including immediate financial assistance to the families of the deceased. Additionally, federal ministers have been tasked with overseeing the restoration of electricity, roads, and other critical infrastructure. Special teams have been dispatched to assist with the repair of highways, bridges, and power systems.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has established over 450 relief camps, providing essential supplies and medical aid to the displaced. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army has been mobilized for search and rescue operations, with airlifting of critically injured individuals to hospitals ongoing.
Saeed Ghani, the Sindh Minister for Local Government, expressed solidarity with the flood victims, noting the importance of national unity in the face of such tragedies. Despite initial resistance from KP authorities regarding aid from other provinces, Ghani reiterated that there is a moral and practical need for collective efforts in disaster response.
Source: “Visit Sawat Valley”
The NDMA has warned that the monsoon season will continue to threaten the country until early September, with additional rainfall expected in the coming weeks. While relief operations are ongoing, authorities remain vigilant as they work to mitigate further damage.
