Flood Risk Closes Popular Tourist Areas After Heavy Rains

A well-known tourist spot in the Mansehra district has been closed after heavy monsoon rains triggered severe flooding and dangerous landslides. Authorities say the weather conditions have made the area unsafe for both residents and visitors.

According to the district administration, continuous and heavy rainfall has caused the Kunhar River and Saran River to overflow. The rising water levels pose serious threats to nearby communities, with strong currents capable of sweeping away anything in their path.

Officials have issued a strict safety alert, urging both locals and tourists to stay away from the rivers. People are also being warned to avoid traveling on roads close to these water bodies, as there is a high risk of road damage, accidents, and landslides.

As part of the safety measures, Saran Valley—one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region—has been officially closed to visitors. The decision was taken after the flooding worsened, cutting off safe access to the area.

Unfortunately, the damage is not limited to Mansehra. Heavy rains and a sudden cloudburst have caused widespread destruction across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Entire villages have been hit, and rescue teams are struggling to reach affected areas due to blocked roads and unstable ground.

According to official reports, at least 33 people have died, while 25 others are still missing after the floods and landslides hit several districts.

In Bajaur District’s Salarzai and Jabrayi areas, powerful floodwaters tore through villages, destroying homes and washing away roads. Rescue 1122 confirmed 16 deaths, three injuries, and seven people missing in Bajaur alone. Locals have joined the rescue efforts, helping retrieve bodies and pull survivors from the rubble and floodwaters.

In Dir Lower’s Sori Paw area, tragedy struck when five members of the same family lost their lives after their house collapsed due to heavy rain. Four others from the household were injured. Meanwhile, in Battagram district, the disaster’s impact has been severe—10 people lost their lives and 18 remain missing after raging waters swept away multiple houses.

Mansehra itself has suffered loss of life. In the Basiyaan area, sudden floodwaters carried away a car, killing two people and injuring another. Landslides have blocked roads and damaged infrastructure, making rescue work even more challenging.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered the immediate mobilization of all available rescue and relief resources. The provincial government has even deployed a helicopter to Bajaur to deliver aid and assist in evacuations. At the same time, district administrations in Dir and Swat have been put on high alert to respond quickly to any emergencies.

Rescue workers, despite dangerous conditions, continue their operations. Medical teams, divers, and specialized rescue units are on the ground, working day and night to save lives and deliver relief goods.

This ongoing monsoon spell, which started on June 26, has caused devastation on a national scale. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that the total death toll in Pakistan has reached 343, with more than 740 injured. Eastern Punjab remains the worst-affected region, with 164 deaths and 582 injuries reported so far.

Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and immediately report emergencies. People in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can contact the Tourism Helpline at 1422 for help and safety information.

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