Pakistan batters rains, over 200 dead, several injured in PoK in over past 36 hours

Pakistan rains: Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in several parts of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over the past 36 hours killing at 214 people injuring dozens others.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was the worst hit as the region has reported most number of deaths. Incessant rains have triggered flash floods wiping off several building and blocking major roads.

Karakoram Highway and Baltistan Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are also reportedly blocked due to landslides. Heavy rain in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is likely to continue intermittently until August 21, the authorities have warned.

According to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 198 people, including 14 women and 12 children, were killed and several remained missing as flash floods wreaked havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the last 24 hours.

Which district witnessed the maximum deaths?

Buner district witnessed the highest number of deaths at 92, according to the PDMA. The other affected districts include Mansehra, Bajaur, Batagram, Lower Dir and Shangla. “A total of Rs 500 million has been released for the districts most affected by floods as per the instructions issued by Chief Minister Amin Ali Gandapur,” the PDMA report said.

What is the maximum damage?

The floods damaged more than a dozen houses, several vehicles, schools, and health units, while blocking major arteries, including the Karakoram Highway and Baltistan Highway, at several points. The northeastern Neelum Valley also faced major disruptions, where tourists were shifted to safety. The floods also washed away two connecting bridges over Lawat Nullah, and the swollen Jagran Nullah tore away a bridge in Kundal Shahi resulting in 600 tourists to be stranded.

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