Discovered: 50 deceased individuals following a sudden flood event in Kashmir
Flash Floods and Landslides in Kashmir and Northern Pakistan: Over 300 Deaths Reported
Heavy rains in mid-August 2025 have caused flash floods and landslides in Kashmir and northern Pakistan, resulting in a devastating humanitarian crisis. According to the latest updates, over 300 deaths have been reported, with numerous injuries and thousands of people evacuated from their homes[1][2].
The affected regions include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Kashmir. The disaster is particularly severe around the village of Chositi in Kishtwar district, where the floods swept away makeshift kitchen tents on Thursday[1][2].
In the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir, the death toll has risen to at least 50, with rescue efforts ongoing to locate and rescue missing individuals[1][2]. The disaster occurred while pilgrims were having lunch in the affected village, though no information about their status or condition is currently available[1][2].
Rescue teams are working tirelessly under challenging conditions, with emergency services, government agencies, and military units mobilized to assist affected communities. However, the bad weather is hampering rescue efforts, particularly in the disaster area of the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir[1][2].
Bilal Faizi, a spokesperson for the local rescue agency in northern Pakistan, described the situation as terrible, stating that they are trying to rescue possibly several dozen, if not hundreds, of people[1][2]. Rescuers fear the death toll could rise further due to the extent of the disaster.
Flash floods are common in the Himalayan region during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. In northern Pakistan, heavy rainfall and flash floods overnight have resulted in over 40 deaths, bringing the total death toll to over 90 when combined with the fatalities in Kashmir[1][2].
The cause of the floods and landslides is currently unknown, with no specific information provided about the cause of these disasters[1][2]. However, the intense monsoon rains are believed to be a key factor in these tragic events.
This disaster underscores the importance of preparedness and early warning systems during the monsoon season to minimise loss of life and property. Our thoughts are with those affected by these floods and landslides, and we hope for a swift and successful rescue and recovery operation.
[1] The Guardian
[2] BBC News
- The ongoing rescue efforts in the affected regions, such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Kashmir, are hindered by the general-news of bad weather, potentially causing the death toll to rise even further.
- Despite the widespread devastation and over 300 reported deaths, there is no specific information provided about the cause of the floods and landslides, underscoring the importance of proper weather monitoring and early warning systems during the monsoon season.
