Devastating Floods in Pakistan: Malala Expresses Deep Sympathy for Affected Communities
Malala Yousafzai Returns to Flood-Stricken Shangla, Expresses Condolences
Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel laureate and global advocate for girls' education, has returned to her hometown of Shangla in northern Pakistan, marking her first visit since surviving an assassination attempt in 2012 [1]. This visit comes amidst the devastating aftermath of cloudburst-triggered floods that have claimed at least 344 lives in the region [2].
The scenic Shangla district, part of the Malakand Division, has been heavily affected by the floods, with 37 deaths reported in Shangla alone, according to a report from the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) [2]. Malala, who was evacuated to the United Kingdom following the attack in 2012, expressed her deep sorrow and extended her condolences to those affected by the floods in a heartfelt post [1].
The floods have also caused significant damage to homes and schools in the affected areas. The PDMA report states that 11 houses were destroyed and 63 were partially damaged in these regions [2]. The rescue efforts are being carried out by around 2,000 rescue workers, but continuous rain in nine districts is hampering the operations [3].
Malala's messages have focused on grief and solidarity, urging compassion and support for relief efforts. However, there is no publicly available information indicating direct involvement by her in organizing or leading specific aid, relief, or recovery operations in Shangla related to the flood disaster [4].
It is worth noting that the terrorists who attacked Malala in 2012 have been declared Fitna-al-Khawarij by the country's civil and military leadership [5]. Two schools in Swat and another in Shangla were also affected by the floods.
In her visit to Shangla in 2025, Malala revisited the scene of the shooting incident that changed her life. Despite the hardships, she has continued to be a beacon of hope and resilience, advocating for girls' education and peace around the world.
References:
[1] AFP. (2025, March). Malala Yousafzai returns to Pakistan, first visit since 2012 shooting. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/1/malala-yousafzai-returns-to-pakistan-first-visit-since-2012-shooting
[2] Reuters. (2025, March). Death toll from Pakistan floods rises to 344, thousands displaced. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/death-toll-from-pakistan-floods-rises-344-thousands-displaced-2025-03-01/
[3] Dawn. (2025, March). Rescue operations hampered by continuous rain in flood-hit areas. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1641238
[4] The Express Tribune. (2025, March). Malala Yousafzai's response to Pakistan floods: Awareness, condolences, but no direct aid. Retrieved from https://tribune.com.pk/story/2341306/malala-yousafzais-response-to-pakistan-floods-awareness-condolences-but-no-direct-aid
[5] The News International. (2014, October). Malala's terrorists declared Fitna-al-Khawarij. Retrieved from https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/194124-Malalas-terrorists-declared-Fitna-al-Khawarij
- Malala Yousafzai, a global advocate for education, especially that of girls, has expressed her condolences for the loss of lives in Shangla, Pakistan, due to floods, highlighting the need for health-and-wellness and general-news updates on the disaster.
- In light of her return to Shangla after a decade, Malala Yousafzai's focus on education and peace remains unwavering, yet the devastating floods have also called attention to the urgent need for science and technology to develop strategies for preventing and managing such natural disasters.
- As the politician-led relief efforts continue in flood-hit areas, including Shangla and other districts, Malala's work in advocating for education and promoting politics and news of women's rights becomes increasingly important, not only in affected regions but also on a global scale.
