Six killed in K-P as torrential rains bring more misery

At least six people have been killed in rain-related incidents in different parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as the unsparing fresh spell of monsoon continues to batter the province, while lashing further those who were rendered roofless during the last month’s floods – a double whammy.

According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, over six others were seriously injured and around 20 houses were partially damaged during the last 24 hours of torrential rains.

The PDMA said that the concerned district administration is taking steps to restore the blocked roads. On the instructions of the provincial government, PDMA, district administration and other relevant institutions are on high alert.

Also read: Met Office forecasts torrential rains across country

The authority said relief packets have also been distributed among the rain and flood-affected people. However, the flow of water in all the rivers of the province was recorded as normal at least for now.

With more deadly monsoon gusts bearing down on parts of the country, the deadly rains in several districts of K-P have crippled transportation and commerce and killed livestock while drowning out many from their villages.

According to the details, the devastating floods that swept across Pai village of Tank district last month had destroyed 80% of the residential houses, catapulting thousands of people into a life of destitution

Flood victims still await compensation

Meanwhile, a large chunk of those left high and dry by the devastating floods have been now forced to fend for themselves under an open sky as inclement weather unleashes more havoc.

The prime minister, during his recent visit to the flood-hit areas of Tank district of the PTI-governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said the federal government had increased the cash assistance for the injured from Rs25,000 to Rs250,000 and also announced a compensation of Rs500,000 for houses demolished completely and Rs200,000 for those partially damaged.

The premier had also instructed the authorities to rebuild the houses destroyed by floods under its jurisdiction.

Also read: Minister calls for precautionary measures as flood fears mount

However, not only has the help not come their way yet, the subsequent floods and showers have worsened the situation for flood-impacted people.

National Disaster Management Authority head Lt Gen Akhtar Nawaz said some 630 people had died and 1130 people were injured until now 630 people died, and 1130 people were injured due to recent rains and flash floods.

Moreover, he said 1.087 million people were directly or indirectly affected by the rains, 72,500 houses were damaged and 1.011 million animals were affected.

This year, he said on average, the country faced 150% more than average rainfall. The NDMA chairman said that four districts of K-P, including DI Khan, Tank, Laki Marwat, Kohistan and Charsada, were badly hit by the floods.

He said the rainfall pattern was changing due to climate change and the pattern impacted Balochistan, Southern K-P and Punjab and some areas of North Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan.