Swabi, August 18, 2025: A powerful cloudburst followed by landslides struck Swabi district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Monday, sweeping away homes and displacing residents amid a fresh spell of torrential rains across the country.
Deputy Commissioner Swabi, Nasrullah Khan, said the cloudburst occurred in Dalori Bala after heavy overnight rainfall, submerging at least 12 houses. “It is a village of about 40 to 50 houses, and around 15 to 20 have been affected. There are rumours of 10 to 15 deaths, but no confirmed reports have been received,” he told reporters.
Rescue teams, reaching the area on foot due to blocked routes, pulled dozens of stranded villagers to safety using boats and ladders. At least 70 people trapped on rooftops were rescued, officials confirmed.
With local resources stretched thin, emergency crews were rushed in from Haripur and Mardan, while the Pakistan Army was also assisting operations. “We immediately utilised all available resources. Floodwaters have begun to recede, and all machinery at our disposal is in use,” Khan added.
K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur directed officials to expedite rescue and relief efforts. “All available resources and teams must be deployed without delay,” he said, instructing Swabi’s deputy commissioner to personally supervise operations.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that recent monsoon rains, floods, and landslides have killed at least 670 people and injured over 1,000 nationwide. NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik said more than 420 flood relief camps are active, with constant coordination underway between federal and provincial authorities.
The authority has warned of continued heavy rainfall until August 20 across Punjab, Sindh, and K-P. Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, Karachi, and Sukkur are among the areas likely to face fresh flooding. Landslides and overflowing streams have already disrupted major roads, including parts of the Grand Trunk (GT) Road.
Tragedy also struck in Nowshera, where a roof collapse during a stormy downpour claimed the lives of a husband and wife. In Swabi’s Gadoon Amazai region, landslides blocked key routes, while floods swept into Gandaf village.
Relief efforts are being intensified. At the request of the NDMA, the Ministry of Health has dispatched medicines, tents, blankets, and dewatering pumps to the affected districts. K-P’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also sent 89 trucks of emergency supplies, including tents, mattresses, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, and solar lamps.
In addition, Rs800 million has been disbursed among flood-hit districts, with Buner receiving Rs500 million as the worst-affected area. Authorities said financial assistance to affected families would be expedited.
Officials urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert as two to three more monsoon spells are expected before the end of September.
