Swat Valley Flooded: Homes, Orchards Devastated by Storm

Unprecedented heavy rainfall and hailstorms have devastated parts of Pakistan's Swat and Shangla districts. In Swat's Matta tehsil, a severe hailstorm destroyed orchards of seasonal fruits, while torrential rains triggered flooding that inundated homes, markets, and roads. Residents reported significant financial losses and criticized the local administration for neglected drainage systems. Experts attribute these extreme weather events to climate change.

Meanwhile, the Karakoram Highway in Shangla and Bisham faced severe disruptions due to flash floods and landslides. While authorities managed to clear the debris and restore traffic after several hours, public outrage pointed to illegal mining activities in the Bisham mountains as a major contributing factor. Residents demand immediate action against unregulated excavations, warning that the highway remains vulnerable until mining is halted. Authorities have advised travelers to exercise extreme caution.