At least 307 people died and 23 injured through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) after heavy rains and sudden floods have devastated several regions in the last 48 hours, the province of disaster management (PDMA) said on Saturday.
Buner was the most affected district with 184 deaths, followed by Shangla with 36, Bajaur 21, Manshra 23, Swat 22, Battagram 15, Lower Dir Five and Abbottabad One, according to PDMA.
The report indicates that the deceased included 279 men, 15 women and 13 children. Infrastructure losses have also been recorded, 63 completely damaged houses and partially damaged, as well as schools and bridges carried out in several districts.
Rescue operations are underway in Biner, where efforts continue in three Tehsils.
Reports suggest that several people are trapped under the debris, said a rescue spokesperson. The operation continued throughout the night and the elimination of debris began in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, rescue operations against the floods of the Pakistani army and the body front are underway in Buner, Swat and Bajaur. Army teams remain involved in rescue activities in the districts affected by floods. Helicopters provide rations and other essential supplies, while evacuations to safe locations are underway.
Additional army contingents have been sent to join forces. The operation will continue until all those affected are saved and safely moved, the army said.
National response mobilized
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) sent a team to Peshawar to supervise rescue operations in the floods of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), to the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Read: The deadly flood devasts KP
According to NDMA, full support is provided to the provincial government, including the supply of emergency goods. The president of the NDMA informed the Prime Minister of the situation last night.
The NDMA said that it was in constant coordination with civil and military institutions and monitored the ongoing rescue efforts 24 hours a day. It warned an increased risk of landslides in the northern areas due to the expected rains and urged people to remain cautious. Tourists have been advised to avoid traveling in the region for the next five to six days.
Chopper crashes in bad weather
A KP government helicopter offering flood supplies crashed into a tribal district yesterday, killing the five crew members, provincial officials said.
The MI1 -7 plane fell into the Mohmand district when he was on his way to the Salarzai district of flooding in the Bajaur district, after losing contact in bad weather, chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur told journalists. The dead included two pilots.
Later, the research teams located Pandiali Tehsil de Mohmand’s wreck, said CM Gandapur, confirming that there were no survivors. The provincial government has declared a day of mourning, with flags to fly in half-mast and said that the crew would be buried with the honors of the full state.
“These people lost their lives while helping the others during this crisis,” said the chief minister. “Their sacrifice will remain memories.”
