Deadly Floods Hit Northern Pakistan, Claiming Dozens of Lives

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — More than 24 people, including women and children, tragically lost their lives in northern Pakistan as a result of flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.

According to Dawn Newspaper, the worst-hit areas include Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Bajaur district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

Rescue sources report 25 people missing due to storms and flooding,18 in Battagram and 7 in Bajaur, with search operations ongoing. 

A GB government spokeswoman said Thursday that three people, including a woman, died in the Khalthi valley, Ghizer district, where more than six houses collapsed. 

Flash floods had a profound effect on Ghizer's Yasin Thoi, causing extensive damage to homes, educational facilities, water reservoirs, and agricultural areas.  

Landslides hindered transit routes in Baltistan and Sadpara, having devastating consequences for the Thor area in Diamer.  

The Astore Valley faced similar issues, with the downpour damaging both its farmland and key roads.

At the same time, floods in Kohistan destroyed a bridge on the Karakoram Highway, disrupting transportation between GB and the rest of the country.

Relief and search operations are ongoing despite challenging weather conditions, the GB government said. 

A cloudburst in Naseerabad Tehsil, Muzaffarabad, killed six from one household, while flash flooding and heavy rains led to overflowing rivers in Azad Kashmir.

Heavy rainfall caused rivers in Bagh to overflow, and severe flooding of the Bhimbar drain in Samahni washed away a tourist car, but everyone was saved. 

The AJK Prime Minister approved housing and financial aid for families affected by the rain.

From August 14th to 17th, weather forecasts predict thunderstorms and occasional heavy rain in Gilgit Baltistan, Upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad. 

President Mr Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif vowed to take all possible measures to save lives in the flood-stricken region and conveyed their sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.