Rising Death Toll in Swabi
At least 28 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating cloudburst in Swabi, a district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Earlier reports suggested 18 deaths with dozens missing before the toll rose as rescue operations continued. Authorities said women and children were among the victims, while more than 20 homes were either destroyed or severely damaged.
Local officials described scenes of destruction as entire families were displaced. Rescue teams have been searching through the rubble of collapsed homes, but access to remote areas remains difficult because of blocked roads and unstable terrain.
Wider Impact Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Swabi is not the only district hit hard by recent extreme weather. Neighboring Buner, along with several other districts in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been reeling from flash floods, heavy rains, and landslides. In many villages, piles of debris, collapsed houses, and grieving families now define the landscape.
Mardan Division Commissioner confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing in Swabi. “So far, three bodies have been recovered from the rubble, and one injured survivor was pulled out alive. Unfortunately, he later succumbed to his injuries,” the official said. Search operations for other missing residents have been intensified.
Survivors Speak of “Paradise Lost”
For families who lost everything, the emotional toll is immense. Many survivors described how years of hard work were washed away within moments.
“We had made our house into a paradise. But in the flood, everything was taken from us,” one resident said, holding back tears. Others recounted how their homes—built over decades with their life savings—were reduced to rubble in less than an hour.
The trauma has been compounded by widespread displacement, with dozens of families now sheltering in temporary camps or with relatives in safer areas.
Provincial Casualty Figures Mounting
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the worst-affected province in Pakistan during this monsoon season. According to provincial authorities, more than 350 people have died in recent weeks due to rain-related incidents, flash floods, and landslides.
Buner district alone accounts for 228 deaths, making it the hardest-hit area in the province. Officials fear that the death toll could rise further as many remain missing and some areas are still inaccessible to rescue teams.
Schools Closed as Precaution
In anticipation of further flooding and possible landslides, the provincial administration has taken precautionary measures. All educational institutions in Swat and Malakand divisions have been ordered closed for one week. Officials said the decision was made to protect children’s lives amid ongoing risks.
Growing Climate Vulnerability
Pakistan, a country of more than 240 million people, is increasingly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Each monsoon season, flash floods and landslides devastate communities in mountainous regions, where infrastructure is fragile and emergency response is limited.
The current tragedy in Swabi underscores the challenges faced by local authorities. Experts warn that heavier and more erratic rainfall, driven by climate change, will likely worsen the frequency of such disasters.
Rescue and Relief Challenges
Rescue operations are being hampered by poor infrastructure, damaged roads, and the sheer scale of the devastation. Authorities are appealing for additional resources, including helicopters and heavy machinery, to clear debris and reach stranded communities.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations have called for urgent relief efforts. Families affected by the floods are in dire need of food, clean water, medical aid, and shelter. With more rain forecast in the coming days, officials are racing against time to prevent further loss of life.
