New Wave of Monsoon Floods Claims 20 Lives in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

At least 20 people lost their lives in northwestern Pakistan after another round of intense monsoon rains triggered devastating floods, officials confirmed on Monday.

A sudden cloudburst in the Gadoon area of Swabi district destroyed multiple homes, leaving dozens dead and entire families displaced. “Several houses were completely swept away,” a local administrator reported, noting that the downpour struck with little warning.

The disaster has hit hardest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where three to five villages have been nearly washed off the map. More than 150 people remain missing across several districts, while heavy rainfall has already claimed over 300 lives in recent days.

Rescue efforts continue, with authorities evacuating nearly 100 stranded residents—mostly women and children—who had sought shelter on rooftops. But new rainfall has disrupted ongoing operations, leaving many areas inaccessible.

“Many bodies remain trapped under debris, mud, and rocks. Without heavy machinery, recovery is nearly impossible,” said Nisar Ahmad, a volunteer from Buner, one of the worst-affected districts. He added that makeshift routes built for rescue work were once again washed away by fresh torrents.

As Pakistan faces one of its harshest monsoon seasons in years, authorities are warning of more rain in the coming days, raising fears of further loss and destruction.