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11 dead in Swabi as fresh rains batter Pakistan’s northwest, worsening flood crisis

At least 364 people have died in KP floods, with Buner hardest hit at 222 fatalities

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Kamran Ali

Correspondent Nukta

Kamran Ali, a seasoned journalist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has a decade of experience covering terrorism, human rights, politics, economy, climate change, culture, and sports. With an MS in Media Studies, he has worked across print, radio, TV, and digital media, producing investigative reports and co-hosting shows that highlight critical issues.

11 dead in Swabi as fresh rains batter Pakistan’s northwest, worsening flood crisis

A resident walks past a vehicle following a storm that caused heavy rains and flooding, in Bayshonai Kalay, Buner district, KP province, August 17, 2025.

Reuters

Fresh heavy rains in Pakistan’s northwestern Swabi district have killed at least 11 people and injured 20 others, local officials confirmed Monday, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province reels from widespread devastation caused by earlier flash floods.

The latest rains follow a weekend of widespread destruction across the province, which left at least 364 people dead and hundreds more injured. Buner district was the hardest hit, with 222 fatalities, while Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, and Bajaur were also severely affected.

According to PDMA spokesperson Anwar Shahzad, 36 deaths were reported in Shangla, 24 in Mansehra, 22 in Swat, 21 in Bajaur, 11 in Swabi, 15 in Battagram, five in Lower Dir, two in Nowshera, and one in Abbottabad. He added that 178 people were injured, 420 houses and over 80 schools, shops, and police stations were damaged, and at least 336 cattle perished.

The flash floods struck in the early hours of August 15 and within just 36 hours, vast areas were left in ruins.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Swabi Nasrullah told Nukta that Monday’s downpour caused multiple roof collapses that likely led to the fatalities.

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He reported that 15 houses were damaged, while multiple landslides struck the mountainous district. Rescue and relief operations were swiftly launched to assist those affected.

A provincial government spokesperson added that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had contacted the Commissioner of Mardan and other senior officials to closely monitor the situation.

He directed the DC to personally oversee relief efforts in the affected areas and ordered that all available resources, including rescue and relief teams, be dispatched without delay. Reinforcements from adjoining districts were also mobilized.

The chief minister emphasized urgent measures to evacuate residents and prevent further loss of life.

Climate disparity and Pakistan’s fragile future

Pakistan has recorded at least 670 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries from monsoon-related floods since June, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Officials warn that two more severe rain spells are expected before the season ends in late September.

NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider, speaking at a joint briefing, said the country is currently in the grip of its seventh monsoon spell of 2025.

Gul Rasheed, 60, inspects a damaged car following a storm that caused heavy rains and flooding, in Bayshonai Kalay, Buner district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, August 17, 2025. Reuters

“So far, nearly 670 lives have been lost, and about 1,000 people are injured and receiving treatment,” he said, adding that 80 to 90 people remain missing. “If ongoing search efforts fail, these numbers could rise further.”

The NDMA noted that this year’s monsoon intensity is 50-60 percent higher than in 2024. Landslides and flash floods are common during the season, which typically runs from June through September.

Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, is increasingly exposed to extreme weather. In 2022, catastrophic monsoon floods submerged one-third of the country, killing around 1,700 people and displacing millions.

With additional input from AFP

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