The tragic aftermath of monsoon floods in northwest Pakistan has seen over 200 people reported missing in the worst-hit Buner district. Monsoonal rains have unleashed devastating flash floods, resulting in more than 300 fatalities throughout Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Local authorities state that at least 209 individuals are unaccounted for, with recent rescue efforts revealing eight unidentified bodies buried due to lack of family to claim them. Many relatives are unable to retrieve their loved ones due to severely damaged roads.
Asfandyar Khattak from the provincial disaster management authority notes that Shangla district, another affected area, has also reported "dozens" missing. With monsoon rains accounting for about 75% of South Asia's annual precipitation between June and September, scientists highlight that climate change is intensifying these weather events.
Indian-administered Kashmir has also faced severe rainfall, with flash floods claiming at least 60 lives recently. Government forecasts predict heavy rain will continue until August 21, with multiple regions declared disaster zones.
Pakistan is grappling with the severe toll of this year's monsoon season, which has already claimed at least 650 lives. In July, Punjab faced a staggering 73% increase in rainfall compared to last year. Glaciologists warn that accelerated ice melt in the region further exacerbates these devastating floods and landslides, posing a significant threat to the mountainous areas of Northern Pakistan.
