UAE extends condolences to Pakistan after monsoon floods claim 320 lives
Thousands of homes damaged across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flood-hit districts
ABU DHABI/ISLAMABAD – The United Arab Emirates has expressed its heartfelt condolences and solidarity with Pakistan after flash floods triggered by relentless monsoon rains killed at least 321 people in the country’s northern regions within 48 hours, officials confirmed.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed the UAE’s sympathy to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan. The UAE also extended condolences over a helicopter crash during a rescue mission that left its crew members dead.
The ministry further wished a swift recovery for the injured and reiterated the UAE’s support during this time of tragedy.
UAE Expresses Solidarity with Pakistan and Conveys Condolences over Victims of Rescue Helicopter Crashhttps://t.co/Y7kGPmzSxr pic.twitter.com/q78EzAseJZ
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) August 15, 2025
Pakistan flood deaths
According to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the majority of fatalities occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where 307 people died in rain-related incidents including flash floods and collapsing homes. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority reported that 15 women and 13 children were among the deceased, while at least 23 others were injured.
Rain & cloud bursts causes havoc in KPK, GB & AJK as atleast 230 people dead & many missing since last night due to floods & landslides. Buner, bajaur, mansehra, battagram are hit badly. Pray for the safety of people & avoid travelling in this weather.
— ???????????? (@TheAngrrybird) August 15, 2025
pic.twitter.com/BPS0zpphlx
Officials said Bajaur was the worst-hit district, reporting 184 deaths, followed by other affected areas such as Buner, Torghar, Mansehra, Shangla and Swat. A total of 11 districts have been declared disaster-hit.
The NDMA added that more than 3,817 people have been affected, while the KP government reported that 74 houses were damaged, with 63 partially destroyed and 11 completely levelled. Rescue workers continue to face difficulties as washed-out roads, landslides and ongoing rainfall hinder access to remote areas.
How are rescues unfolding?
Around 2,000 rescue personnel are operating across nine affected districts, many forced to travel on foot to reach isolated communities due to blocked roads. According to Bilal Ahmed Faizi, spokesperson for KP’s Rescue agency, washed-out bridges and disrupted routes are hampering the transport of machinery and ambulances.
Rescuers are attempting to evacuate survivors, though officials said many families are reluctant to leave because loved ones remain trapped under debris. In Swat, authorities confirmed that 2,071 people had been rescued, while the district’s death toll rose to 20 after eight more bodies were recovered.
The KP government has allocated Rs500 million in emergency funds for affected districts, with Rs15m directed to Buner and Rs10m each for Bajaur, Battagram and Mansehra. Additional relief supplies including medicines, food and tents are being delivered to flood-hit regions.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the NDMA to expedite the supply of tents, medicines and food to northern districts. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also directed the deployment of additional troops and ordered over 600 tonnes of military rations to be distributed. He instructed the Corps of Engineers to repair damaged bridges and install temporary crossings to restore access.
Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mil Mi-171E helicopter (AP-BIL) reportedly crashed near Pindiali, Mohmand during HADR/flood relief operations from Bajaur.
— WB (@warbrief12901) August 15, 2025
reports indicate 5 personnel onboard embraced Shahadat in the tragic incident. pic.twitter.com/BpcuFCupKM
Meanwhile, KP Health Adviser Ihtisham Ali has travelled to Buner with medicines, ambulances and medical staff, pledging on-the-ground support. Across the province, 545 rescuers with 90 vehicles and boats are engaged in emergency operations.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, authorities reported 11 deaths, including five children, while Gilgit Baltistan confirmed 12 fatalities. The State Disaster Management Authority said 417 houses were damaged in AJK, of which 104 were completely destroyed. Rescue operations in Neelum Valley, Jhelum and Bagh have been completed, with stranded tourists relocated and Neelum Highway reopened for traffic.
Pakistan’s Meteorological Department has issued fresh warnings of heavy rainfall in the northwest over the coming days, with forecasts suggesting the monsoon will persist beyond its usual cycle until late September. Officials fear the intensity of rainfall in the next fortnight could worsen the humanitarian crisis.