Floods wreak havoc in Buner, over 158 people lose their lives
PM Shehbaz Sharif contact NDMA chairman to review situation in KPK
The death toll from torrential tains and flooda in KPK’Buner district has to 158.
According to Buner Deputy Commissioner Kashif Qayyum, powerful floodwaters triggered by the storms caused multiple accidents, claiming dozens of lives.
Rescue teams have recovered 56 bodies so far, while more victims are feared as the situation remains critical. The official added that the worst damage occurred in the mountainous areas, where helicopters are being used to evacuate stranded residents.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday contacted National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider to review the flood situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said.
During the meeting with the NDMA chief, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary joined via video link to brief on the latest updates. The prime minister directed the NDMA chairman to maintain close coordination with the provincial government and ensure the use of all available resources to save lives.
Contact lost with K-P relief helicopter
A provincial government MI-17 relief helicopter, carrying aid to the flood-hit Salarzai area of Bajaur, has lost contact, said in a press release from K-P’s CM secretariat.
Chief Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur said the helicopter lost communication while in the airspace of Mohmand district due to severe weather conditions.
The nationwide death toll from the ongoing monsoon spell, which began on June 26, has risen to 343, with over 740 people injured, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Eastern Punjab province remains the worst hit, with 164 deaths and over 582 injuries. Monsoon rains, lasting from June to September, frequently cause widespread damage across.
