Pakistan resumes rescue ops in flood-hit areas; death toll over 300

Fresh torrential rain in northern Pakistan killed at least 20 people on Aug 18, local officials said, as rescue and relief operations resumed after they were halted for several hours in a region where more than 300 have died since Aug 15.

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PESHAWAR - Fresh torrential rain in northern Pakistan killed at least 20 people on Aug 18, local officials said, as rescue and relief operations resumed after they were halted for several hours in a region where more than 300 have died since Aug 15.

The intense rain has claimed lives and spread destruction in several northern districts, with most people killed in flash floods, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.

In hilly areas, the rain caused flash floods, as well as mud and rock slides that washed away houses, buildings, vehicles and belongings.

"It was like a doomsday scenario," 24-year-old university student Sahil Khan told Reuters TV, describing the flash floods. "Everybody is scared. Children are scared. They cannot sleep."

Buner district was the worst hit, with over 200 deaths.