BUNER: Heavy rain and a cloudburst killed at least 75 people and injured 759 in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner Buner confirmed that the figures show 18 children among those killed in the floods. He said that helicopter has been arrived for rescue activities.
Local sources said lightning struck several areas, triggering floods in the mountains of Kalil, Gookand, and other parts of Buner. As a result, floodwaters swept away cattle and houses in Gookand and Kalil.
Several bodies were recovered in Daggar and Bagra localities.
Dr. Imtiaz, Medical Officer at Phir Baba Hospital, said at least 43 bodies have been brought to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar, whose hometown is in the district, demanded helicopter services to rescue people trapped in the floods.
The disaster caused major property losses as valuable livestock was washed away.
Officials said the full scale of human losses will be confirmed once water levels recede.
Families are still searching for missing relatives.
Additional Assistant Commissioner Buner Akram Shah said an emergency has been declared at Daggar Hospital, where 56 bodies have been identified.
Several people remain missing, and rescue teams are working to recover their bodies.
On Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur’s orders, a provincial helicopter was sent to evacuate residents trapped on rooftops.
The provincial MI-17 helicopter was also deployed for relief work.
Officials said these are the only two helicopters available for rescue operations.
Deputy Commissioner Buner Kashif Qayum Khan confirmed the 56 deaths and dozens of injuries.
He said poor road infrastructure is slowing rescue work in remote areas, but helicopters are evacuating affected families.
