Five killed in lightening, rain-related incidents

At least five people and several livestock were killed in lightning and rain-related incidents in Mansehra district on Tuesday.

The first incident took place in Kas Khawari village of Siran Valley during late-night when the wall of Abdul Razaq's house collapsed due to heavy downpours. Tragically, two siblings were buried under the debris and lost their lives on the spot while two others sustained critical injuries and were shifted to the hospital.

The deceased children were identified as 12-year-old Zafran and eight-year-old Alishba.

In the second incident, lightning struck shepherds and their herd as they were heading towards the Chormali forest in Chattar Plain. The lightning strike claimed the lives of three shepherds and dozens of goats and sheep.

The shepherds, along with their herd, were caught in heavy rain midway to the forest when the unfortunate incident occurred. The two shepherds belonged to the Torghar district, while the third shepherd hailed from Chattar Plain.

Local residents recovered the bodies of the ill-fated shepherds from the forest and handed them over to their respective families.

Emergency plan

Rescue 1122 Abbottabad has on Tuesday prepared a comprehensive emergency plan to deal with possible threats during the upcoming Eidul Azha and monsoon season.

Rescue personnel will maintain a high state of readiness across Abbottabad, including popular tourist spots like Nathiagali, Ayubia and Thandiani. These decisions were taken by District Emergency Officer Muhammad Arif Khattak while presiding over a meeting in his office. Emergency Officer Fahad Ali Masood and station in-charges were also present.

The meeting was informed that in anticipation of heavy rains, including monsoon rains during Eidul Azha, Rescue 1122 has diligently completed all necessary preparations to effectively deal with potential floods and emergencies.

Four strategic points have been set up in Abbottabad for the monsoon season, including PMA Road, Ayub Medical Complex, Kala Pul Road and Jab Pul Jhangi to enhance response.

District Emergency Officer Arif Khattak highlighted that more than 100 rescuers were strategically deployed in Abbottabad during the Eidul Azha holidays to deal with an emergency and ensure an effective response.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2023.