The death toll from devastating floods in Pakistan has risen to nearly 700, as 26 more people were reported dead in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 24 hours, officials said Tuesday.
With the latest fatalities, the total number of deaths across the country since the onset of the monsoon on June 26 has reached 699, according to data from the National and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities.
The recent casualties occurred in districts including Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, and Peshawar, where heavy rainfall and flash floods caused widespread destruction.
Buner district remains the hardest-hit area, with 222 confirmed deaths and dozens still missing.
A significant portion of Beshonai village in Buner was destroyed on Friday night, and rescue teams continue to search for survivors. Other severely affected districts include Bajaur, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Shangla, Dir Upper, Dir Lower, and Torghar.
The flooding was triggered by torrential rains beginning Thursday night and continuing into Friday morning, followed by a cloudburst that intensified the devastation. Another round of heavy rain hit the region on Monday.
Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa report that approximately 780 houses have been damaged, including 349 that were completely destroyed.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said more than 25,000 people have been evacuated, and over 1,000 have been hospitalized.
Officials have warned that heavy rainfall is likely to continue until August 21, urging residents to take precautions.
