PESHAWAR:
At least 26 people, including 18 children, have been killed and 77 others injured in rain-related incidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa since March 25, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported on Friday.
The deaths occurred when roofs and walls of houses collapsed due to heavy rains that hit several areas of the province. Among the victims were 18 children, three men and five women. Among the injured are 33 men, nine women and 35 children, according to the latest PDMA update.
Authorities said a total of 102 homes have been damaged so far. Of these, 82 suffered partial damage while 20 were completely destroyed. The incidents were reported from various districts including Bannu, Abbottabad, Kohat, Peshawar, Nowshera, Bajaur, Lakki Marwat, Kurram, Hangu, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Upper Dir, Battagram, North Waziristan and Tank.
Bannu district has been identified as one of the worst affected areas. The PDMA Director General has issued special instructions to the district administration to ensure immediate assistance to the families of the deceased.
PDMA, Rescue 1122, district administrations and other operational departments maintain close coordination to carry out rescue and relief operations. The authorities have asked all concerned district administrations to expedite relief activities and provide immediate support, including food, tents and other essential items, to the affected families.
“District administrations must expedite relief efforts and ensure that timely assistance reaches every affected household without delay,” DG PDMA stressed.
Intermittent rains continue in different parts of the province. The PDMA forecasts that a new wave of rain is expected to persist from April 1 to 4, raising fears of further damage in vulnerable areas.
The director-general appealed to the general public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to hilly and tourist destinations prone to landslides and flooding. Citizens have been advised to strictly follow all weather alerts and advisories issued by the government.
The PDMA Emergency Operations Center operates 24 hours a day. People can contact the toll-free helpline 1700 for any emergencies, real-time weather updates or to report untoward incidents.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as relief operations continue in the affected districts. The authorities assured that all possible measures were being taken to mitigate the impact of the ongoing rain spell and to support the affected communities.
