Pakistan: At least 13 people, including nine children, lost their lives and three others were injured in the past 48 hours as heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Swat was the worst hit, recording the deaths of six children and a woman due to house collapses and flash floods.
In Buner, three lives were lost — a woman and her child were killed by lightning, while an eight-year-old boy drowned in floodwaters. In Bajaur, two brothers aged 21 and five died in a rain-related incident, while their mother was rescued. Upper Kohistan reported the death of one woman, and a child was injured in Torghar when a roof collapsed.
Overall, 19 houses were damaged — two fully destroyed and 17 partially. Authorities warn the current spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until July 25, increasing the risk of further floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) across KP and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
Meanwhile, in GB’s Diamer district, over 200 tourists stranded by flooding were successfully rescued and relocated to Chilas city. Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the rescue and stated that hotel accommodations were arranged free of cost. However, the Karakoram Highway has once again been blocked at several points, leaving more travelers stranded. Restoration work continues on the Silk Road leading to Bisham.
GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan is set to visit the affected Babusar Highway today to assess the damage and issue directives for recovery and relief.
The PDMA has advised local administrations to remain on alert, step up relief efforts, and keep the public informed through its helpline 1700. Tourists and residents have been urged to follow safety advisories and avoid non-essential travel to vulnerable areas.