CM Ali Amin announces new strategies to fight against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flood risks after the devastating 2025 floods. On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced long-term strategies to reduce flood risks, addressing the devastation caused by recent floods that killed 406 and displaced thousands across the province.
Why it Matters
The strategies are critical for protecting vulnerable communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where recurring floods, exacerbated by climate change, threaten lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Flood Risk Reduction Strategies Unveiled
Following the catastrophic floods that struck Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since August 15, 2025, CM Ali Amin Gandapur outlined comprehensive measures to enhance resilience against future disasters. The floods, triggered by cloudbursts and heavy rains, claimed 406 lives, injured 245, and damaged 664 houses, 511 roads, and 77 bridges. According to the KP government on X, these strategies aim to relocate communities from high-risk zones and bolster infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
Compensation and Rehabilitation Efforts
The provincial government has disbursed PKR 654 million to the families of 350 deceased victims, with payments processed through a transparent digital system. Compensation for deceased victims’ families has been increased from PKR 10 million to PKR 20 million, while injured individuals now receive PKR 500,000. Owners of destroyed homes are entitled to PKR 1 million, and shopkeepers receive up to PKR 500,000 for losses. Gandapur set a deadline of Sunday, August 31, 2025, to complete payments, with an additional PKR 5 billion to be released for relief efforts.
Relocation and Infrastructure Upgrades
A cornerstone of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwaflood risk reduction strategies is relocating communities from high-risk flood zones to safer areas. Gandapur emphasized that new housing will be constructed in secure locations to prevent future losses. The government plans to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, including elevated shelters and reinforced river embankments. Additionally, strict action will be taken against encroachments blocking natural waterways, which exacerbate flooding.
Health and Emergency Response
The KP Health Department declared a health emergency in districts like Buner, Swat, and Mansehra, establishing flood control rooms and disease data-sharing centres in hospitals. All healthcare staff have been placed on high alert to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases. Rescue operations, supported by two provincial helicopters (one of which crashed, killing five crew members), have been monitored from a control room at CM House in Peshawar.
Background
The 2025 floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Buner, Swat, and Bajaur, rank among the deadliest since the 2022 deluge that affected 33 million across Pakistan. The province’s vulnerability to flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) has intensified due to climate change and unplanned urbanisation. The 2022 Post-Disaster Needs Assessment highlighted the need for resilient infrastructure, yet progress has been slow, with gaps in early warning systems and rehabilitation frameworks.
Regional Implications
The strategies align with broader South Asian efforts to combat climate-induced disasters, as seen in Pakistan’s “Recharge Pakistan” initiative, which promotes ecosystem-based adaptation. By addressing flood risks, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could set a model for neighbouring regions facing similar challenges, fostering regional cooperation on climate resilience.
What’s Next
As CM Gandapur advances Khyber Pakhtunkhwaflood risk reduction strategies, the success of these measures will depend on timely implementation, transparent funding, and community involvement to ensure sustainable protection against future floods.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 30st, 2025
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