K-P rain, snow death toll climbs to 27

129 houses damaged, 33 destroyed across province

PESHAWAR:

The death toll from rain and snow-related incidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has tragically risen to 27, with an additional 38 people sustaining injuries on Sunday. According to data from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 129 houses have been damaged, with 33 completely destroyed across the province.

In response to the crisis, newly elected K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered rescue operations in the affected districts, directing the PDMA to provide immediate assistance including food, medicines, and shelter to those affected. He has also instructed compensation to be provided to the families of the deceased and urged for the swift reopening of roads closed due to landslides to facilitate rescue and relief efforts.

On Saturday, the province witnessed multiple accidents resulting in 23 fatalities, including 14 children, and 34 injuries. Peshawar, the provincial capital, experienced intermittent rain causing flooding in low-lying areas, while upper regions remained cut off due to heavy snowfall, exacerbating the difficulties faced by residents and authorities alike.

Efforts to reopen closed roads have commenced, although continuous snowfall is hampering progress. The PDMA reports numerous houses damaged, with casualties including animals buried under debris, adding to the woes of affected communities.

The Meteorological Department forecasts continued rain and snow until Sunday, underscoring the urgency of ongoing rescue and relief operations.

Tragically, three lives were lost in a landslide incident in Lower Dir. Among the deceased were 25-year-old Zahid, son of Sher Maula, his 23-year-old wife, and five-year-old Harira, while three-year-old Arham Umar was injured. Rescue operation was ongoing to locate any potential survivors amidst the rubble.

In Bajaur, heavy rain led to the collapse of a house, claiming the lives of three children. Prompt response from emergency services helped rescue survivors, highlighting the crucial role of timely intervention in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.

In Malakand, a house collapse resulted in fatalities and injuries, with rescue teams working to save lives despite challenging conditions. Similarly, in Aladhand Dheri Saro Koto, three women lost their lives in another house collapse, further underscoring the vulnerability of communities to the destructive force of nature.

Elsewhere, a roof collapse in Takhtbhai led to the death of a nine-year-old girl and injuries to three other children, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of such disasters. Additionally, in Sakhakot, two girls lost their lives in a similar incident, prompting renewed calls for enhanced disaster preparedness and response measures to safeguard lives and property.

The situation in Chitral, a remote region in the northwest, remains dire, with heavy snowfall cutting off thousands of residents from other parts of the region. Authorities have cautioned against unnecessary travel due to the heightened risk of avalanches and landslides, urging residents to exercise caution and stay indoors wherever possible.

In the Kailash Valley areas, substantial snow accumulation has been reported, leading to road damage and increased risk of avalanches. The local population, already grappling with the harsh winter conditions, now faces further hardship as essential services struggle to reach remote areas cut off by the snowfall.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2024.