The death toll from relentless flash floods in northern Pakistan has climbed past 340, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) bearing the brunt of the devastation. Officials confirmed on Saturday that at least 327 people have died in the province alone, most of them in Buner district.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have also been hit hard, reporting 12 and nine deaths respectively. Authorities say the scale of destruction across the mountainous north is unprecedented, with entire communities cut off, infrastructure in ruins, and rescue workers struggling to reach survivors.

Buner’s Tragedy: Hundreds Dead, Dozens Missing

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Buner has recorded a staggering 204 deaths in just two days. Local officials fear the toll may rise further, as 50 residents remain missing and at least 120 are injured. Deputy Commissioner Kashif Qayum Khan has even banned private vehicles from entering the district, citing disruption to ongoing rescue work.

Other KP districts have also reported grim numbers: Shangla (36 deaths), Mansehra (23), Swat (22), Bajaur (21), Battagram (15), Lower Dir (5) and Abbottabad, where a child drowned.

The floods have also destroyed 11 homes, damaged more than 60 others, and left schools in Swat and Shangla unusable.

State of Emergency and Government Response

The KP government has declared a state of emergency across nine districts, including Buner, Bajaur, Swat, Shangla, and Mansehra, until August 31. Local administrations have been given authority to mobilize resources for relief, while the PDMA has been tasked with supplying tents, food, and other essentials from its central stockpiles.

The provincial government has released Rs1 billion for immediate compensation and relief operations, along with Rs1.55 billion for restoring highways and bridges. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also left for a visit to affected regions, though his itinerary remains unclear.

Separately, the Pakistan Red Crescent has set up an Emergency Relief Centre in Peshawar to coordinate assistance, while civil service officers have volunteered to donate part of their salaries to aid victims.

National Mourning and Military Involvement

The nation observed a day of mourning for five rescue workers killed when a government helicopter crashed in Mohmand during relief operations. Flags were flown at half-mast at government buildings in KP, including the Governor House in Peshawar.

The Pakistan Army has now joined relief efforts in Buner, deploying engineering teams and helicopters to airlift stranded families and deliver rations. According to state broadcaster PTV, specialized equipment will also be used to recover bodies buried under mudslides.

Gilgit-Baltistan: Tourists Stranded, Power Knocked Out

In Gilgit-Baltistan, floods have left hundreds of tourists trapped in Naltar Valley after large sections of the Naltar Expressway were swept away. Three hydropower plants in the area were shut down, plunging thousands into darkness.

Spokesman Faizullah Faraq confirmed widespread destruction: homes and restaurants inundated, power stations disabled in Gilgit district, and critical bridges washed away in Bagrot and Astore. “People barely escaped with their lives as floodwaters carrying heavy stones destroyed homes near Allahwali Lake,” he said.

Rescue Efforts Hampered by Washed-Out Roads

Despite the deployment of around 2,000 emergency workers across nine KP districts, progress has been slow. Rescue 1122 officials said teams were often forced to travel on foot because landslides and road washouts had blocked access for heavy machinery and ambulances.

In the past 12 hours alone, rescue services responded to more than 3,500 emergencies. But many stranded residents have refused evacuation, unwilling to leave behind relatives buried under debris.

Power infrastructure has also taken a hit. In Swat, floods entered the main grid station, tripping 41 feeders and cutting electricity across the district.

More Rain Ahead

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rain will continue across KP until August 21. Balochistan has also been put on alert for another spell of monsoon rains expected between August 18 and 22.

With rescue teams overwhelmed and the death toll still rising, officials fear the coming days could bring further tragedy.