Rain-related deaths reach 40

PESHAWAR:

The death toll from rain-related incidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa surged to 40 on Tuesday, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Children bore the brunt of the tragedy, with 27 fatalities reported among them. The Bajaur tribal district recorded the highest number of casualties, with 8 fatalities.

In addition, 62 individuals sustained injuries due to roof collapses, including 27 children. The collapse of roofs also led to the demise of 99 cattle, and 80 houses were completely destroyed, with an additional 555 suffering partial damage, bringing the total affected structures to 635.

Furthermore, two school buildings were partially damaged as a result of the torrential downpour.

The combination of heavy rainfall and fierce winds has led to tragic incidents, including the collapse of walls, roofs and falling trees, resulting in the loss of two lives and several injuries.

As per the hospital sources, strong winds and heavy rainfall have resulted in five people’s deaths and left 39 individuals wounded in Lakki Marwat. In Karak, the official sources revealed, the windstorm claimed the lives of five people, leaving ten injured.

The devastation has resulted in significant financial losses, primarily affecting the solar panel plants installed on the rooftops of mosques, schools, and houses.

Estimates suggest that these damages have amounted to millions of rupees, leaving countless solar panels missing or severely damaged. Moreover, a majority of the affected areas are currently deprived of electricity.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2024.