A sudden bout of intense downpour early Wednesday morning led to deadly flash floods and landslides in several mountainous districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming at least ten lives and forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes.
Rescue officials reported that four people were killed when a torrent of water swept through the village of Alpuri in Shangla district, while three others lost their lives in Swat after a landslide buried two homes. In Lower Dir, three members of a single family perished when rushing floodwaters tore through their house near the Paniala River.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has dispatched teams, machinery, and relief supplies to the worst‑hit areas. “Access roads have been damaged in multiple spots, hampering rescue efforts,” said PDMA spokesperson Zahid Khan. “We are coordinating with district administrations and the provincial government to ensure timely evacuation and medical assistance.”
Local administration offices have set up relief camps in safe zones, where survivors are receiving temporary shelter, food, and medical care. The Met Office has forecast continued heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, raising fears of further slides and flooding in vulnerable hilly terrain.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert. He urged residents of low‑lying and hill‑slope communities to relocate to safer areas until the weather stabilizes.
The provincial police and Frontier Corps have also joined hands with rescue agencies to clear blocked roads and restore communication lines. Authorities warn that more landslides may be triggered by lingering monsoon systems, and they advise the public to avoid traveling through narrow mountain passes until further notice.
