Fatal calamity: Death toll from rain rises to 9

Over 25 injured in downpour followed by dust storm

PESHAWAR: At least nine people have lost their lives since late Wednesday evening as heavy rain, followed by a dust storm, hit parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Fata. The deceased include two people from Peshawar, as many from Upper Dir and one each from Nowshera, Swabi and Charsadda. Over two dozen others have been injured in such incidents across the region.

Meher Taj died when roof of her house collapsed in  Palosai, Swabi, while Shah Faisal was injured in a similar incident in Jehangira area of the same district. Two other women, identified as Bakht Bibi and Fatima, lost their lives in Salam Kot, Upper Dir. These incidents occurred two days after heavy rain and thunderstorms killed six people in the region.



Three others suffered injuries in Nowshera area. They were identified as Ali Muhammmad, Khatir Khan and Asghar Khattak. They were shifted to the hospital and later discharged after minor treatment.

According to locals, a large number of trees and signboards were uprooted and electricity was disrupted for many hours. They claimed there were chances of more damage. Around 12 houses were destroyed in Peshawar, Nowshera and Charsadda, stated a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority spokesperson.

However, the injured people were discharged from the hospital. The rescue staff of PDMA was dispatched to affected areas for a survey and relief work.

According to the met department, more rain and thunderstorm, followed by gusty winds and dust storms, are expected in scattered places of K-P, G-B and Fata over the next 24 hours.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2016.