Devastating floods triggered by heavy rains and cloudbursts have caused massive loss of life and property across Pakistan, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) the worst hit.
Since August 15, at least 358 people have died and 181 others have been injured in KP alone, prompting the closure of schools across Swat and the entire Malakand Division.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast further rains with thunderstorms across most parts of the country over the next 24 hours, raising the risk of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding.
In a joint press briefing, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt-Gen Inam Haider Malik detailed the scale of devastation and ongoing relief operations.
DG ISPR Lt Gen Chaudhry said relief operations were underway on the instructions of Field Marshal Syed Gen Asim Munir.
Three medical units and six field camps were operational in KP, where 6,304 patients have received treatment.
He said army engineers were repairing damaged bridges and roads, while PTA and army teams worked to restore communications.
Eight search and rescue teams were deployed, while helicopters continued delivering food and relief goods.
“Floods damaged 90 roads in KP, of which 86 have been partially restored,” he said.
“The Karakoram Highway, blocked at eight points in Gilgit-Baltistan, has been reopened. The Pakistan Air Force is also active, sending relief via C-130 aircraft.”