The Buner Pir Baba Flood — A Detailed Account

Introduction

Pir Baba, a valley in Buner District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is famous for its natural beauty, mountain ranges, rivers, and the shrine of the Sufi saint Pir Baba. However, in recent days this region has been struck by a devastating natural disaster — a flash flood. This flood not only claimed many lives but also left entire communities in grief and despair.

The disaster was triggered by a cloudburst, an event where an exceptionally large amount of rain falls over a small area within a very short span of time.

How the Flood Happened

According to the Meteorological Department, on Friday, more than 150 millimeters of rain fell within just one hour in Pir Baba and surrounding areas.
The rainwater rushed down from the steep mountains, carrying rocks, mud, and landslides with it.
The torrent surged through the valleys with extreme force, sweeping away houses, crops, bridges, roads, vehicles, and shops.
This sudden and violent flooding is why it is classified as a flash flood — it struck without warning and engulfed the valley within minutes.

Casualties and Affected People

In Buner District alone, more than 207 people have died.
Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the death toll has reached between 300 and 337.
Reports confirm that over 150 people are still missing, with rescue teams searching for them.
Hundreds of injured have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital Buner and other facilities in Mardan.

These numbers are likely to rise as many remote villages remain inaccessible to rescue teams.

Damage to Homes and Infrastructure

Estimates suggest that 336 houses were either completely destroyed or partially damaged in Buner.
Roads and bridges collapsed, causing severe obstacles for rescue operations.
Many shops and warehouses in the Pir Baba Bazaar were washed away.
Agricultural losses are massive — crops like maize, rice, and vegetables were completely ruined.

The Condition of Displaced Families

Families affected by the flood are now taking shelter under the open sky, or in schools and mosques.

Many households lost multiple family members.
Women and children are among the worst affected.
There is a shortage of clean drinking water and food.
Electricity and mobile networks in some areas are still down, adding to people’s suffering.

The Moment of the Flood

Eyewitnesses say the disaster struck around Friday evening.
People were going about their normal daily lives when suddenly, with a roaring sound, water rushed down from the mountains.
The torrent struck with such force that residents had no time to gather belongings or escape.
In some places, entire families were swept away before people’s eyes.

Rescue and Relief Operations

The Pakistan Army, police, Rescue 1122, and local volunteers rushed to the scene.
Since many roads and bridges had been destroyed, teams had to reach certain areas on foot.
Helicopters were deployed to deliver food and medicine to cut-off villages.
Both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced compensation and relief packages.
International organizations such as the Red Cross and the UN have also pledged support.

Estimated Losses

Beyond the tragic loss of human lives, the economic damage is enormous.
Initial estimates suggest that the financial loss in Buner District alone runs into billions of rupees.
The destruction of crops and livestock will likely cause long-term hardship for farmers.

Future Risks and Lessons Learned

This disaster highlights several critical issues:

Climate change is increasing the frequency of heavy rains and flash floods in countries like Pakistan.
Unplanned construction in mountainous areas has worsened the risks.
The government needs to install flash flood early warning systems so that people can be evacuated in time.
Strict measures should be taken to prevent housing along rivers and seasonal streams.

Mangspecial

Monday, 18 August 2025