In Pakistan heavy monsoon rains, the rapid melting of snow and outbursts from glacial lakes from the 16th to 22nd of July have led to devastating flash floods and the flooding of the Indus River in various locations across Pakistan. The Chitral District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been badly hit with an estimated 285,000 people affected and at least three fatalities. The exact number of people injured is difficult to determine due to the inaccessibility of many affected areas. Some regions in Gilgit Baltistan, Punjab and Sindh are also affected. The Pakistan Security Forces and Government authorities are providing immediate response.
On the 24th of July, flash floods stroke again and the destroyed sub division Mastuj, Mulkhow Union Council Chitral, where more than a dozen people, including children and women, were reported missing. The torrential rains have been highly destructive, causing death and the damage of 10 villages. An estimated 350,000 people are affected and the local police confirmed eleven fatalities. In its destructive course the floods washed away over 100 houses, the Warijun bazar, which contains over a hundred shops, a bank branch, a petrol pump, as well as infrastructures like schools, a hospital, a police station and mosques amongst other things. Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes to look for safer places.
HOPE'87 together with its affiliate partner JAD Foundation conducted a rapid damage and needs assessment for quick support of the flood affected people.