One of the deadliest floods in KP in recent years; heightened scrutiny of disaster response; declared provincial day of mourning
In mid-August 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan experienced catastrophic flash floods and landslides triggered unusually by heavy monsoon rains and cloudburst unleashed flash floods and landslides. The deluge on 15 August killed scores of people and caused widespread destruction.[2] As rescue operations continued, KP’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) later confirmed around 210 deaths in KP alone (184 men, 14 women, 12 children).[3]Buner District was the epicenter – a state of emergency was declared there after flash floods inundated the Pir Baba area, where at least 90 people perished.[3]
The flooding caused widespread casualties, extensive property damage, and severely disrupted rescue operations across several districts including Buner, Swat and Bajaur.[4][5][6][7]
A rescue helicopter dispatched to the region also crashed under poor weather conditions, killing all five aboard.
Buner emerged as the most severely affected district in terms of casualties and property damage. Local officials confirmed 158 fatalities in Buner alone, marking the highest death toll in the province.[9]
In Bajaur, at least 21 people were killed, with four houses destroyed. Battagram and Shangla suffered deadly lightning-triggered floods, with dozens of fatalities.[10]Swat District was also flooded: over 2,000 residents and tourists were moved to higher ground as the Swat River and other streams surged.[11][10]
Helicopter crash during relief operations
2025 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa helicopter crash
AP-BIL, the aircraft involved in the accident, pictured in 2011
A KP government Mi-17 helicopter engaged in flood rescue and relief operations crashed under poor weather conditions in Mohmand District[12] while en route to Bajaur, killing five people, including two pilots.[13]
Humanitarian and rescue efforts
Rescue operations are ongoing but hampered by washed-out roads, communication breakdowns, and adverse weather. KP's Rescue 1122 services, provincial disaster authorities, and local communities are engaged in evacuations and relief delivery, though challenges continue.[6][14]
In Mansehra’s mountainous areas, 1,300 tourists were evacuated from rain-stricken zones.[15]
Reactions
KPK Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced a day of mourning, with flags at half-mast.[16]
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered comprehensive flood relief operations, mobilizing federal and provincial resources to assist affected communities.[10]
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