Northwest Pakistan is reeling under the fury of torrential rains that have killed nearly 200 people in just 24 hours, officials confirmed on Friday. The relentless downpour has triggered flash floods, building collapses, and even brought down a rescue helicopter engaged in relief operations.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has borne the brunt of the disaster, with the Buner area reporting at least 100 deaths from floods and cloud bursts. In Swat district, swollen rivers forced the evacuation of more than 2,000 residents to safer locations as rescue teams battled rising waters and dangerous terrain.
Lightning strikes and sudden cloud bursts added to the devastation, overwhelming already stretched emergency services. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting to coordinate response measures, describing the situation as an unfolding national tragedy.
Authorities remain on high alert as forecasts warn of continued heavy rainfall, raising fears of further flooding and casualties in the coming days.