Heavy Rains Force Closure of Popular Mansehra Tourist Spot
A famous tourist destination in Mansehra district has been closed to visitors after intense monsoon rains triggered flooding and landslides, posing serious safety risks.
According to the district administration, both the Kunhar River and Saran River have overflowed due to continuous downpours, leading authorities to issue a public safety alert. Residents and tourists have been urged to stay away from rivers and avoid traveling on nearby roads. As a precaution, Saran Valley has been completely shut down for tourism.
The ongoing monsoon spell, which began on June 26, has brought widespread destruction to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At least 33 people have lost their lives and 25 remain missing as flash floods and landslides hit multiple districts.
In Bajaur’s Salarzai and Jabrayi areas, torrents of floodwater destroyed homes and roads, killing 16 people and injuring three. Seven others are still missing. Local residents have been working alongside rescue teams to recover victims.
In Dir Lower’s Sori Paw area, five members of one family were killed when heavy rain caused their home to collapse, while Battagram district saw 10 deaths and 18 missing after floodwaters swept away houses.
Mansehra itself recorded two deaths and one injury in Basiyaan when a car was washed away by sudden floodwaters. Landslides and damaged infrastructure are hampering rescue and relief operations across the province.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered the deployment of all available resources for emergency rescue missions. Helicopters, medical teams, divers, and specialized rescue units have been dispatched, with operations continuing around the clock.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the nationwide death toll from the ongoing monsoon season has risen to 343, with more than 740 injured. Eastern Punjab remains the worst-hit, recording 164 deaths and 582 injuries.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and report emergencies to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Helpline at 1422.
