Devastating flash floods, triggered by torrential rainfall, have ravaged northwest Pakistan, leading to widespread destruction and a tragic loss of life. The disaster has claimed the lives of over 300 people in a single day, with the remote mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bearing the brunt of the devastation. The relentless downpour, characterized by cloud bursts, flash floods, lightning strikes, and landslides, marks the deadliest event of this year’s monsoon season. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported a staggering number of fatalities and continues to assess the full extent of the damage.
Further complicating the situation, a rescue helicopter crashed during a mission in the northern part of the country, resulting in the loss of five crew members. The helicopter was carrying relief supplies to the flood-affected areas when it went down in bad weather. In the wake of the disaster, the government has declared a one-day mourning period. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to evacuate stranded individuals and provide aid to those affected by the floods.