Floods continue to ravage as 25,000 rescued; NDMA warns more rains

ISLAMABAD: The federal government, the military and provincial administrations are scaling up joint relief and rescue efforts as heavy monsoon rains and flash floods continue to devastate parts of the country, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Federal Minister of Information Atta Tarar said the National Emergency Coordination Centre has been actively linking the federation with provincial governments to streamline response measures. “The recent rains and floods have caused a tragic loss of precious lives,” he said, adding that close to 25,000 people had already been rescued with coordinated support from the Pakistan Army, provincial authorities and federal institutions. He stressed that updated information was being relayed in real time to relevant departments to ensure a swift response.

Punjab Rivers: floods hit Sutlej, Ravi

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that details of damages and relief operations have been posted on its website. NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik said the crisis was triggered by flooding and glacial melting during the first spell of the monsoon, while another spell is expected in the last week of August. “Sadly, bodies of those swept away by floods are being recovered during rescue operations,” he said. Within three to four days, over 25,000 people were evacuated, while injured survivors have been shifted to hospitals. Relief goods, including medicines, are being dispatched to affected regions such as Swabi, Malakand and Bajaur, where cloudbursts have caused severe damage.

Govt ramps up relief as flood toll climbs to 670

The chairman added that roads blocked by landslides and floodwaters are gradually being reopened, with many already cleared. He acknowledged the support of NGOs in ongoing operations and underlined the need for their continued assistance in the coming weeks.

Rescue efforts led by Pakistan Army

Meanwhile, DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that Pakistan Army units had been deployed to flood-hit areas on the directives of the Army Chief. “Eight FC and infantry units are currently active in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while one unit is operating in Gilgit-Baltistan,” he said. An engineer brigade, multiple battalions and urban rescue teams are also on the ground, alongside three medical units and nine medical camps. So far, more than 6,300 people have received medical treatment and nearly 6,900 have been rescued through army-led operations. Army Aviation assets have been mobilised to reach remote areas with emergency supplies.

Cloudburst: two districts ravaged in just fifteen minutes

DG ISPR said Army signal units are working to restore telecommunications, with 16 BTS towers made operational. In Buner, two battalions have been deployed, while Shangla hosts two more; one battalion is stationed in Swat, along with an FC wing each in Dir and Bajaur, and a company in Swabi. An engineer brigade has also been deployed in Kanju, while two engineer battalions in Buner and Shangla are engaged in road restoration. Additionally, two urban search and rescue teams are operating in Buner. Medical camps have been set up in Buner, Shangla and Swat, providing round-the-clock healthcare facilities.

Officials reiterated that all agencies remain on high alert as forecasts warn of renewed downpours later this month.