Author: Zeeshan Asghar (Assistant Director Information and Reporting)
The 2025 monsoon floods hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with devastating force, disrupting lives across multiple districts. Torrential rains triggered flash floods and river overflows, washing away homes, damaging roads, and cutting off access to essential services. Vulnerable families in Buner, Swat, Dir Lower, Shangla, Mansehra, and Swabi bore the brunt of the disaster. Thousands were displaced overnight, left without shelter, clean water, or food security. The sudden collapse of infrastructure and services also raised the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly in areas where health facilities were already overstretched.
The humanitarian toll was immense—entire communities were stranded in unsafe conditions, while schools and health centers were converted into makeshift shelters. Women, children, and the elderly were among the most at risk, facing both physical danger and loss of dignity as they struggled to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.
PRCS Emergency Response
In the face of this crisis, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa branch, with support from its partners, swiftly mobilized relief operations to save lives and provide dignity to flood-affected families. Immediate priorities included food, healthcare, shelter, and access to safe water.
- Food Security: Over 17,600 cooked food parcels and 200 dry food ration packages were distributed to ensure that displaced families had access to daily meals.
- Health Services: 18 Mobile Health Units (MHUs) and free medical camps provided care to more than 2,700 patients, addressing both flood-related injuries and common illnesses such as respiratory infections and skin diseases.
- Water and Sanitation: More than 49,500 liters of safe drinking water were delivered to reduce the spread of waterborne diseases. Hygiene education sessions were also conducted to empower communities with preventive practices.
- Shelter Support: Families who lost their homes were supported with 45 tents and 500 shelter toolkits, while 285 packages of non-food items (NFIs), 200 jerry cans, and 416 pairs of clothes helped restore basic dignity.
Altogether, PRCS and its partners reached more than 79,500 beneficiaries during the emergency phase, with an operational value of PKR 40.74 million (USD 141,458).
District-Wise Relief Efforts
The emergency response phase targeted six severely affected districts—Buner, Swat, Dir Lower, Shangla, Mansehra, and Swabi. A multi-sectoral approach ensured families had access to food, health services, shelter, and clean drinking water.
- Cooked Food Distribution: Over 17,600 food parcels were delivered, ensuring immediate nourishment for displaced families.
- Dry Food Rations: Essential food packages reached 200 families, providing a safety net for the most vulnerable households.
- Mobile Health Services: 18 free medical camps were organized through Mobile Health Units (MHUs), delivering primary healthcare to 2,700 patients and bridging critical service gaps.
- Clean Drinking Water: More than 49,500 liters of safe water were distributed, reducing risks of waterborne diseases.
- Shelter Support: 45 family tents and 500 shelter toolkits were distributed to restore temporary living conditions.
- Non-Food Items (NFIs): 285 packages of essential household items and 200 jerry cans helped affected families maintain dignity and hygiene.
- Clothing & Hygiene: 416 pairs of clothes and 15 family hygiene kits were handed out, while 16 hygiene education sessions empowered communities with preventive health knowledge.
In total, these efforts supported 79,501 beneficiaries, with an estimated financial impact of PKR 40.74 million (USD 141,458).
Partner & Donor Contributions
Humanitarian action during disasters thrives on solidarity. The 2025 floods response was made possible through the coordinated contributions of PRCS National Headquarters (NHQ), IFRC, ICRC, German Red Cross (GRC), Norwegian Red Cross (NRC), and PRCS Punjab branch.
Through this collective effort, partners helped 79,501 people, reaffirming the power of humanitarian collaboration. The combined contributions amounted to PKR 40.74 million, strengthening PRCS’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilience
While the emergency phase focused on immediate needs, the 2025 monsoon floods are a stark reminder of the urgent need for long-term disaster preparedness. Strengthening community resilience, improving early warning systems, and expanding health and WASH infrastructure remain top priorities for PRCS and its partners.
The humanitarian spirit displayed during this crisis underscores a vital truth: together, we are stronger. As recovery continues, PRCS KP remains committed to supporting affected families, while calling on all stakeholders—government, civil society, and international partners—to work hand in hand for a safer, more resilient future.