Raining death: Flashfloods take five lives in Swat

DSP says rescue operation under way to avoid further casualties

MINGORA: At least five people have died while another person was injured as heavy rain and flashflood lashed various parts of Madyan in Swat.

An official privy told The Express Tribune, overnight rain coupled with flashfloods and lightning hit parts of Madyan village. As a result, five people, including a minor, lost their lives.

“The police and local personnel have found the bodies of Balaneshta, Kalsoom – a minor – Muzammil Khan, Sheraz Khan and Niaz Khan,” DSP Shoukat Khan said. “It took us 13 hours to take out the bodies of both the women and minor from the debris of demolished house.”

He added the body of Niaz Khan was found from the river.

The DSP also provided details about the number of people injured and the destruction caused by heavy rain and lightning.

“Usman Khan was the only person injured and he is being treated at the hospital,” he said. “At least 18 houses have been swept away by overnight rains and flashfloods in Palam village, Bahrain. The landslide has also demolished houses and blocked the main road of Madyan village.”

The DSP said the Pakistan Army, police officials and locals started a rescue operation in the village after the flashfloods. He said locals were also transferred to safer areas to avoid further loss of life.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2016.