Pakistan Monsoon Floods: Death Toll Reaches 220, More Rains Expected

BUNER, Pakistan — Heavy monsoon rains have caused massive flooding in Pakistan’s northwest, killing at least 220 people. Officials say rescue teams are still pulling out bodies from destroyed homes, while weather experts warn of more heavy rain in the coming days.

In Buner district, the floods were particularly deadly. Overnight, rescuers recovered 63 more bodies from villages hit by flash floods and landslides. Many homes were washed away within minutes when floodwaters, carrying huge boulders and rocks, swept through the area.

One survivor described how “tons of rocks” crashed down with the water, destroying around 60 to 70 houses in Pir Baba village. Local police officer Imtiaz Khan, who barely escaped, said even their police station was washed away.

Villages Destroyed

The hardest-hit villages include Pir Baba and Malik Pura, where most fatalities occurred. Streets are now filled with debris, rocks, and collapsed houses. Survivors said the water came so suddenly that many people had no time to escape.

Doctors in Buner confirmed that most victims died before reaching hospitals. Many among the dead were children and men, while women were away in the hills at the time.

National Response

Pakistan’s prime minister and president expressed condolences, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, said efforts were underway to rebuild damaged roads and infrastructure.

Since June 26, over 540 people have died in rain-related incidents across Pakistan, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. Experts say this year’s rainfall has been unusually heavy and linked to climate change.

Grief Across the Region

Mass funerals are being held, with families mourning loved ones. A local cleric said:
“Before the floods, the area was full of life. Now, there is grief and sorrow everywhere.”

Some families lost dozens of members. For example, teacher Suleman Khan lost 25 relatives when floods destroyed his village, Qadar Nagar.

Wider Impact

The floods have also affected Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of India-controlled Kashmir, where dozens more people have died and thousands have been evacuated.

Authorities in Pakistan say they have rescued over 3,500 stranded tourists, but many ignored warnings to avoid flood-prone areas.

This disaster is being compared to the 2022 floods, which killed 1,700 people and caused around $40 billion in damages.