PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Rescuers are currently searching for more than 150 individuals who remain unaccounted for in northwestern Pakistan following a devastating cloudburst. The disaster has resulted in significant loss of life, with the death toll in the mountainous district of Buner reaching 277 on Monday after emergency responders recovered three more bodies. Local officials are facing criticism for allegedly failing to issue timely evacuation warnings as flooding and landslides struck the region.
The flooding, which occurred on Friday, severely impacted the Buner district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Emergency services spokesman Mohammad Suhail indicated that search operations have expanded into remote areas to locate residents swept away by the rapidly rising waters. The military has deployed engineers and heavy machinery to assist in clearing debris and facilitating rescue efforts.
Villagers have voiced their grievances, claiming that officials did not adequately warn them about the impending disaster. Traditional methods of alerting communities, such as announcements from mosque loudspeakers, were reportedly not utilized, leading to accusations against local authorities for negligence. In response, the government asserts that while an early warning system was operational, the intensity of the rainfall was unprecedented, making it impossible for residents to be notified in time.
Provincial chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur remarked that many fatalities could have been prevented if homes had not been constructed along riverbanks and waterways. He stated that the government plans to encourage displaced families to relocate to safer areas where they will receive support in rebuilding their homes.
Since June 26, Pakistan has experienced above-average monsoon rains, contributing to at least 645 fatalities nationwide, with around 400 of those occurring in the northwest region alone. In light of additional rainfall beginning on Sunday, the National Disaster Management Authority has issued alerts for further flooding across various parts of the country.
The United Nations humanitarian agency has mobilized teams in affected areas, where damaged infrastructure has disrupted access to communities. Relief agencies are currently providing essentials such as food and water while preparing for long-term recovery initiatives.
Flash floods have also affected India-administered Kashmir, resulting in at least 67 deaths and numerous individuals still unaccounted for due to the devastating conditions during an annual Hindu pilgrimage. The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed profound sorrow over the losses suffered in both Pakistan and India, while Pope Leo XIV extended his condolences following prayers at Castel Gandolfo.
Pakistan continues to face heightened vulnerability to climate-related disasters. In 2022, catastrophic floods linked to climate change led to nearly 1,700 fatalities and left countless families homeless. The ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for improvements in disaster preparedness and community resilience in the face of increasing climatic challenges.
