In a tragic turn of events, at least 17 people have lost their lives and over 60 others have been injured due to torrential showers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the KP Rescue 1122, the downpour wreaked havoc in the districts of Karak, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat on Saturday.
Rescue officials confirmed the death toll and revealed that 12 deaths were reported from Bannu, three from Lakki Marwat, and two from Karak.
Most of the rain-related accidents were caused by collapsing roofs and walls in the affected areas.
Rescue operations are currently underway in the three districts, with the KP Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement department working diligently to provide relief to the affected individuals.
The department’s secretary has issued directives to expedite the rescue work and ensure that government policies are followed.
The KP interim Information Minister, Barrister Feroze Jamal Kakakhel, assured that the provincial government is closely coordinating with district administrators in Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Karak. Hospitals in the affected areas have been placed on high alert, and both Rescue 1122 and the provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) are actively engaged in rescue operations.
As for the weather forecast, the Met Office predicts “very hot and dry weather” in most districts of KP over the next 24 hours. However, there are chances of wind/dust storms and isolated rain-thunderstorms in the plain areas of the province during the evening and at night. Specific districts, including Chitral, Lower and Upper Dir, Buner, Swat, and others, may experience isolated spells of rain and wind/thunderstorms.
Authorities have issued warnings regarding the potential damage caused by wind/dust storms to infrastructure in several districts, including Kurram, Hangu, Karak, and Peshawar. All concerned authorities have been advised to remain vigilant during this forecasted period.
