In a tragic turn of events, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has been gripped by devastating rain-related incidents over the past two days, leaving a trail of destruction and loss. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), ten lives were lost, and twelve individuals sustained injuries as a result of these calamities.
PDMA spokesperson Anwar Shahzad confirmed the distressing statistics, revealing that among the deceased were eight children and two women, while the injured comprised nine children, two women and a man. The casualties occurred primarily due to various roof and house collapse incidents across multiple districts including Shangla, Bannu, Bajaur, Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mansehra.
The toll on infrastructure and property has also been significant, with reports indicating that 27 houses suffered damages as a consequence of the relentless rainfall and hailstorms. As per the PDMA’s brief report issued late on Saturday night, three houses were fully destroyed, while 24 others were partially damaged in areas spanning Mohmand, Mardan, North Waziristan, Swat, Upper Dir, among others.
Cattles perished in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Reportedly, Harban Tehsil chairman Asadullah Quraishi has said that 19 cattle perished in flash flood incidents triggered by the heavy rains. The loss of livestock, including the destruction of 15 cattle pens, further exacerbated the already dire situation.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been grappling with incessant rainfall since Friday, with Saturday night witnessing severe downpours coupled with hailstorms, intensifying the impact on communities. Notably, Upper Kohistan’s Harban locality bore witness to the destruction of a cattle pen, underscoring the widespread nature of the calamity and its detrimental effects on both lives and livelihoods.
Relief efforts are currently underway in the affected areas, with authorities and emergency responders striving to provide assistance and support to those impacted by the unfolding crisis. As the region navigates through this challenging period, attention remains focused on mitigating further harm and aiding affected individuals and families in their recovery efforts.
Earlier the same picture of natural disaster exacerbated by the human actions was witnessed in Pakistan occupied Balochistan. About nine people lost their lives across from Quetta to Gwadar, while hundreds were forced to displace. Strikingly, the establishment failed to take any progressive measures to help people emerge from the crisis, in fact worse infrastructure harmed them more than the rains which could have inflicted bearable consequences otherwise.