A sudden and intense spell of rainfall has caused devastating floods across parts of Pakistan, India-administered Kashmir, and Nepal, resulting in nearly 300 fatalities and leaving many more missing. In northwestern Pakistan, authorities reported at least 189 deaths, including 12 children, while a helicopter crash during relief operations claimed the lives of five rescue personnel.
In India-administered Kashmir, heavy floods in Chashoti, a popular pilgrimage town, killed at least 60 people, with over 200 reported missing. Nepal also faced severe impact, with 41 confirmed deaths and more than 120 injuries. Pakistan-administered Kashmir saw at least eight fatalities, including entire families buried under debris.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes of rushing mud, boulders, and water sweeping through homes and streets. Local authorities warned residents to avoid tourist areas and rivers as torrential rains and landslides continued to threaten communities.
The extreme rainfall, identified by meteorologists as a “cloudburst,” highlights the intensifying effects of climate change on seasonal monsoons in the region. Rescue operations involving army, police, and disaster response teams are ongoing, while government officials have called emergency meetings to coordinate relief and safety measures.
Entire neighborhoods have been washed away, infrastructure damaged, and roads turned into rivers, leaving survivors to cope with widespread destruction. In some areas, miraculous rescues, such as the recovery of animals trapped in debris, have been reported amidst the chaos.
Credit: Based on public reports and official statements