In K-P, fear of residents rising with the swelling of rivers

District administration warns people against flood.

PESHAWAR:

The level of several rivers of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has significantly increased in the wake of heavy rains in the province during the last three days.

According to official sources, several areas in the Malakand Division and northern areas have been under heavy rainfall for the last few days. The water flow has increased in Kabul River near Nowshera, Swat River at Chakdarra, Panchkora River at Lower Dir, and Khayali River at Charsadda, causing panic among residents living on the banks of these rivers.

The district administration has also warned residents of Charsadda and Nowshera to maintain a safe distance from the river. “We have already prepared an emergency plan to cope with any kind of situation,” said Charsadda’s District Coordination Officer Ajmal Khan.

The provincial government has already declared Charsadda, Nowshera, Swat, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Mansehra, Tank and D I Khan as unsafe and requested their respective district administrations to be well prepared to deal with any kind of emergency. According to K-P Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, the government has issued essential funds and other requirements to all these areas for countering the floods. He added that even though the possibility of floods in the region was vague, people should take all safety measures to protect themselves.

Local residents also said that even though the rains have brought an end to perpetual heat, it has also caused fear among them. “We are enjoying the pleasant weather but we pray to God to keep everyone safe,” said Imranullah, a resident of Dir Maidan. Similarly, Khalid Khan, a resident living at the bank of Kabul River told The Express Tribune that he lost his parents and residence during the floods last year. He said he faced a lot of trouble to rebuild his house, and couldn’t even think of losing his place again. He urged the authorities to keep the residents informed with the situation to ensure their families’ safety.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2011.