Peshawar: The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has surged to 307, including 13 children, provincial authorities confirmed on Saturday, August 16. The torrential rains, which triggered widespread flooding across multiple districts, are expected to continue intermittently until August 21, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

PDMA spokesperson Faizi stated that in the past 48 hours alone, 307 people have lost their lives due to intense rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods. The preliminary report revealed that among the deceased were 279 men, 15 women, and 13 children. Additionally, 23 individuals were injured, including 17 men, four women, and two children.

The hardest-hit districts include Bajaur, Buner, Swat, Mansehra, Shangla, Torghar, and Battagram. Buner recorded the highest fatalities with 184 deaths, followed by Shangla with 36, Mansehra with 23, Swat 22, Bajaur 21, Battagram 15, Lower Dir five, and a child who drowned in Abbottabad.

According to PDMA, 74 houses have been damaged so far, including 63 partially and 11 completely destroyed. Relief operations are underway, with teams working closely with district administrations to provide assistance. On the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, relief funds have been released for the flood-hit areas, and authorities have been instructed to expedite rescue efforts.

Efforts are also focused on restoring blocked highways and link roads in tourist regions. Tourists have been advised to stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary precautions.

Officials warn that the casualty figures may rise as many people remain missing in affected areas. Since late June, when the monsoon season began, torrential rains have wreaked havoc across Pakistan, causing deadly floods, landslides, and displacement, particularly in vulnerable and densely populated regions.