Buner, Pakistan – August 18, 2025 Torrential monsoon rains have triggered devastating flash floods and landslides across northern Pakistan, killing over 340 people and leaving more than 150 missing. Entire villages have been buried under rubble and mudslides, with survivors facing unimaginable loss and hardship.
The worst-hit region is Buner district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where more than 208 lives have been lost and dozens of communities have been wiped out. Across KP, Gilgit Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the death toll continues to rise.
The Pakistan Army has launched extensive rescue operations, deploying helicopters and ground teams to reach stranded families and deliver emergency aid. Tragically, a relief helicopter crashed in Mohmand district, killing all five crew members on board.
The floods have caused widespread destruction:
Experts attribute the scale of this disaster to climate change, with Pakistan receiving 50% more rainfall this monsoon season compared to last year. Despite early warning systems, the intensity and suddenness of the cloudbursts left little time for evacuation.
Local communities have voiced concerns over the lack of timely alerts, especially in remote areas where mosque loudspeakers are often the only means of communication.
In the first month of our emergency response, Penny Appeal has focused on meeting the urgent needs of the most vulnerable families affected by the floods in northern Pakistan. Our efforts have included:
