Intense monsoon rains and flash floods have claimed the lives of over 300 people in northwest Pakistan, with the death toll expected to rise. The floods, which officials have described as the deadliest of this year's monsoon season, hit the remote, mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The Buner district was particularly hard-hit, with a cloudburst creating a torrent of water that overwhelmed villages and left more than 180 people dead.

The Human Impact
The devastation has left many residents in shock. One man, Saeedullah, recounted how he lost his wife and five children when the roof of their home collapsed. Another, Zahid Hussain, described watching his house and more than 30 others in his village get washed away within minutes.

Response and Context
In response to the disaster, Pakistan's government has launched civilian and military rescue and relief operations, with medical camps being established and food being provided to displaced families. A rescue helicopter also crashed due to bad weather, killing all five crew members on board.

According to Pakistan's chief meteorologist, Zaheer Babar, the country is experiencing an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, which he links to climate change. He noted that the heavy rainfall in the mountains often creates flash floods that catch people in lower-lying areas by surprise. He also pointed out that the problem is exacerbated by human activity, such as building homes near waterways and constricting them with construction and garbage. Neighboring parts of India and Nepal have also been affected by heavy monsoon rains and flooding over the past week.