RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Upholding its tradition of serving the nation in times of crisis, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has extended vital support to flood relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
A total of 48 tons of relief goods arranged by a non-governmental organisation were airlifted from Karachi to Peshawar aboard an Air Eagle B-737 aircraft.
By establishing an air bridge, the PAF has ensured swift delivery of urgently required supplies to flood-affected districts, particularly Buner and Shangla. The consignment, comprising dry ration, will be distributed among displaced families in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
PAF AIRLIFTS 48 TONS OF RELIEF GOODS FOR FLOOD-AFFECTED FAMILIES IN BUNER & SHANGLA 18 August 2025: Upholding its legacy of responding to the nation’s call during times of natural calamities, Pakistan Air Force, under the special directives of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed… pic.twitter.com/te4nOhijjM
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) August 18, 2025The ISPR stated that the mission underscores the PAF’s enduring commitment not only to defending the country’s airspace but also to providing timely assistance to fellow citizens during natural calamities.
More rain forecast
Meanwhile, the NDMA has issued fresh emergency alerts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Balochistan after the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted further heavy rainfall beginning Monday. According to the advisory, an active weather system currently over the country could lead to thunderstorms, urban flooding, and landslides in multiple regions.
In Punjab, heavy rains are forecast in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin, with warnings of possible urban flooding. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thunderstorms and downpours are expected in Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan and Swabi, while southern districts including Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Karak and Kohat may also be affected.
Similar alerts have been issued for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber could experience strong winds, increasing the risk of landslides and flash floods. In Gilgit-Baltistan, districts including Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche and Shigar have been warned of potential flooding due to heavy rainfall in mountainous valleys.
Flood aid doubled as KP, federal govt step up relief efforts
The NDMA has further cautioned that three additional severe monsoon spells are expected in the coming weeks, with rainfall intensity projected to be 50 per cent higher than previous downpours, heightening the risk of flash floods and urban inundation, particularly in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Monsoon deaths
The NDMA confirmed on Monday that since the onset of monsoon rains on 26 June, at least 657 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while 929 others have been injured nationwide. The fatalities include 171 children, 94 women and 392 men.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has borne the brunt of the devastation with 390 deaths reported so far. Punjab has recorded 164 deaths, with children forming the largest proportion at 70. In Sindh, 28 lives have been lost, while Balochistan has reported 20 fatalities.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, 32 deaths have been confirmed, while Azad Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 15, including five children and five women. The federal capital has reported eight deaths.