Nearly 350 people have been killed within 48 hours as torrential rainfall caused flashfloods and landslides in northern Pakistan. Thousands of rescue workers have been deployed in the area — with efforts hindered by extensive road closures and continued rainfall. Most of the deaths were reported from the mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province — reaching 327 on Saturday.
Over 340 killed within hours
Local media reports indicate that around 200 people were killed in a single day amid flashfloods and cloudbursts in multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The death toll continued to climb on Saturday as rescuers pulled bodies from the debris and rain continued to lash the region.
“Heavy rainfall, landslides in several areas and washed-out roads are causing significant challenges in delivering aid, particularly in transporting heavy machinery and ambulances. Due to road closures in most areas, rescue workers are traveling on foot to conduct operations in remote regions. They are trying to evacuate survivors, but very few people are relocating due to the deaths of their relatives or loved ones being trapped in the debris,” an official told AFP.
Rescue helicopter crashes
Rescue efforts also took an unfortunate turn on Friday after a chopper crashed in the rain-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. All five people on board were killed after the chopper carrying relief goods for affected areas lost contact amid inclement weather conditions.
According to an official update, the helicopter crashed in the Changi Banda area with five people later confirmed dead. This included three individuals involved in the rescue operations as well as two pilots. Investigation remains underway to ascertain the cause of the crash — whether it was caused solely by weather or other factors. Rescue teams have also been dispatched to the crash site and officials said the deceased would be laid to rest with full state honours.
Mass funerals for victims
(With inputs from agencies)