Severe floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have wiped out thousands of livestock and poultry, causing an estimated Rs1.57 billion in damage, according to an initial assessment by the provincial livestock department.
The report, covering seven hard-hit districts, reveals the scale of destruction: more than 5,000 farm animals—including cows, buffaloes, goats, calves, and sheep—were swept away or drowned within hours of relentless rainfall and flash floods. Poultry farms fared even worse, with over 10,000 birds lost, most of them in Buner, where one farm alone reported the death of 9,000 chickens.
“This isn’t just livestock loss; it’s livelihoods washed away,” said an official from the department, emphasizing that poultry farming serves as a critical income source for rural families.
Animal Shelters and Feed Supplies Ravaged
Beyond the loss of animals, infrastructure vital to animal husbandry has been decimated. In Mansehra, Shangla, Buner, and Swat, 336 livestock shelters have been damaged or destroyed, leaving surviving animals vulnerable. Fodder reserves worth more than Rs286 million were also ruined, worsening the challenge of keeping livestock alive in the aftermath.
Full Scale of Damage Still Unknown
Authorities warn these figures are preliminary, with many areas still inaccessible due to flooding. “The actual losses could be much higher,” an official noted, highlighting the pressing need for relief measures to prevent further economic and food security crises in the region.
Agricultural experts say the disaster could have a long-term ripple effect, as livestock farming—already a backbone of rural economies in KP—faces months of recovery. Immediate support for feed supplies, veterinary care, and farm infrastructure will be crucial to helping affected communities rebuild.
