Heavy rains and strong winds cause widespread destruction, collapsing houses and walls.
BANNU:
A powerful dust storm accompanied by torrential rains and strong winds devastated the Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa state on Friday, killing at least four people and injuring 24 others.
Bad weather caused roofs and surrounding walls to collapse in several areas, burying residents under debris. Several head of cattle were also killed in the storm. According to Rescue 1122 and district administration officials, the victims included Balqiaz Khan, son of Malik Nawaz, a resident of Mughal Khel Bharat. Three women from the same family in Jhando Khel also lost their lives: Islam Daraz, daughter of Gulzad Ali; Alshan, wife of Shafidullah; and their daughter Tanzila.
The injured included Anas, Muhammad, Maqeerullah, Mubashir, Shah Zaman and several others from various localities, including Wrishem Khel, Kot Brara, Zargar Mama Khel, Salam Gul Kala Mandan, Shah Deo, Nasri Bharot, Jhando Khel and Lucky Marwat.
Several homes, stores and other properties were damaged throughout the neighborhood. Rescue teams rushed to affected areas immediately after receiving emergency calls, pulling the injured from the rubble and transporting them to nearby hospitals for treatment.
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Bannu Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Fahim Khan visited hospitals to inquire about the condition of the injured and personally inspected the affected localities. In view of the situation, the district administration has imposed a state of emergency in all government hospitals under the Bannu Medical College.
Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff were placed on alert.
Officials from the 1122 rescue service said additional rescue teams and ambulances had been deployed following an increase in emergency calls. Rescue operations are continuing and an assessment of all the damage is underway.
The district administration appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during inclement weather, stay away from dilapidated buildings and weak structures, and immediately contact helpline 1122 in case of emergency.
Meanwhile, KP Health Secretary Shahid Khan also ordered all government hospitals in Bannu to remain on alert, directing hospital administrations to ensure uninterrupted supply of medicines and medical facilities for the injured and keep ambulance services fully operational.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took note of the human and financial losses and offered condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
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In a statement, CM Afridi said the provincial government would ensure that the affected families receive immediate relief and all possible assistance.
He directed Rescue 1122 and the district administration to expedite emergency relief operations in the affected areas and ensure that the injured people receive the best possible medical care.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also asked relevant authorities and relief agencies to ensure prompt assistance, rehabilitation and relief to the affected residents.
