Swabi( The COW News Digital)A devastating cloudburst followed by landslides wreaked havoc in Swabi, causing massive destruction to homes and leaving several people missing after being swept away by flash floods.
According to Deputy Commissioner Swabi, Nasrullah Khan, the cloudburst struck Dalori village, where several houses were submerged as powerful floodwaters surged through the mountainous terrain. Landslides triggered by the downpour blocked access to multiple areas, complicating rescue operations.
“Many homes have been washed away, and the flow of floodwaters is extremely dangerous. Being a hilly region, landslides have made the situation worse,” DC Swabi confirmed. He added that administration, rescue, and relief teams have been dispatched, with additional support arriving from Haripur and Mardan.
Meanwhile, in Swat district, heavy rainfall over the past few days has left behind widespread devastation. Reports confirm that 400 houses and 124 educational institutions were damaged, with three schools completely destroyed. Local residents complained of prolonged power outages, lack of clean drinking water, and impassable roads such as Malam Jabba Road and Makan Bagh routes, which have been blocked for four consecutive days.
District authorities also confirmed that 22 fatalities were reported in Swat following the cloudburst and torrential rains on August 15. Rescue operations remain underway as efforts continue to access remote areas cut off by landslides.
The broader picture across Pakistan paints an even grimmer scenario. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the death toll from ongoing monsoon rains has climbed to 660. Among these, 392 deaths were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, making it the hardest-hit province. Other provinces also suffered significant losses, with 164 deaths in Punjab, 32 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 29 in Sindh, 20 in Balochistan, 15 in Azad Kashmir, and 8 in Islamabad.
Officials warn that continued monsoon activity could worsen the crisis as swollen rivers and overflowing streams threaten further flooding. Relief agencies have appealed for urgent aid, including food supplies, tents, and medical assistance for displaced families.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable regions to remain cautious, as more rain is forecast in the coming days, raising fears of additional flash floods and landslides.
