Torrential rains claim four lives in Mansehra
Urban flooding in twin cities. Photo: screengrab
Four people died while several others were injured on Saturday in roof and wall collapse incidents that occurred due to torrential rain in the district of Mansehra.
The collapse of the roof and walls of a house resulted in the loss of two lives, including a child and a woman. Rescue 1122 workers reached the spot, rescued and shifted the injured to the hospital.
According to Rescue 1122 sources, in first roof collapse incident occurred on Chinar Road, where a makeshift Afghan family's house collapsed while under the debris, a woman lost her life, and a child was rescued in an injured condition and shifted to the hospital.
In another house collapse incident on Bedra Road, heavy rainfall caused the wall of Qadeer's mud house to collapse on a sleeping family.
In the incident, a nine-year-old child named Husnain sustained critical injuries and was rescued under the debris and rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, the doctors confirmed his death and the other four family members who were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
In a separate incident, Mansehra police also found the dead body of an unknown man from Sandisar stream. The locals informed the Rescue 1122 officials. The teams reached the spot, and recover the body which was later shifted to King Abdullah Hospital Mansehra.
Besides the deaths and injuries, heavy downpours also wreaked havoc in district Mansehra where from last night to 12 noon most parts of the city were drowned under the flash flood water and people were stuck in their homes.
In several areas of the city flood water also entered the residential and commercial buildings and people have to bear losses of millions of rupees.
The meteorological department has also forecast more heavy rains all across the Hazara division from 22 July to 26 July.
Follow traffic rules
National Highways and Motorway Police Deputy Inspector General North Zone Muhammad Yusuf Malik on Saturday advised the drivers travelling towards tourist spots to follow the traffic rules.
In a statement, the DIG Motorway North Zone said that several steps have been taken by the Motorway Police to prevent accidents and ensure timely assistance. However, drivers should ensure that accidents are avoided by following the traffic rules.
He said that especially drivers going to tourist places should strictly follow the rules because driving on the highway and hilly areas required more caution and experience. The drivers should adhere to speed limit restrictions, use seat belts, pay attention to driving, complete relaxation of the driver before a long journey was vital and compliance with traffic rules were necessary for a safe journey. He said that Motorway Police has been put on high alert in view of possible rains.
WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2023.