Rain fury claims eight lives in K-P

The death toll from rain-related incidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has risen to eight, with seven individuals sustaining injuries.

In Lower Dir district, three people lost their lives due to roof collapses caused by the heavy rainfall. Additionally, the rains damaged over 15 houses and completely destroyed two.

Similarly, in Upper Swat, two children were tragically killed in another roof collapse incident. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that torrential rains in the past 48 hours resulted in the destruction of one house and damage to four others in Lower Chitral district. Furthermore, numerous roads have been closed due to heavy downpours and landslides.

“Approximately 10 roads in Lower Chitral have been closed, and several houses damaged,” stated a PDMA official, noting the loss of at least 20 heads of cattle in roof collapse incidents.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has taken notice of the Bahrain-Kalam road closure in Swat due to landslides, causing inconvenience to travelers. He directed Commissioner Malakand and DC Swat to take immediate measures to reopen the road, utilizing all available resources and ensuring necessary facilities for stranded tourists.

The chief minister emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant amidst ongoing rains, instructing all district administrations and rescue organizations to stay alert. Measures should be in place to handle any potential emergencies, minimizing the loss of life and property.

He stressed the need for prompt relief and medical assistance in unfortunate circumstances, directing compliance with PDMA’s orders during the recent rains.

The administration’s preparedness and responsiveness are critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities during such challenging times.

Earlier this month, the PDMA initiated a comprehensive contingency plan for the impending monsoon-related disasters in 2024.

The plan aims to engage all stakeholders in identifying potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and risks associated with the monsoon season. By mapping available resources, authorities aim to minimize disaster risks and ensure a coordinated response to emergencies.

In a recent pre-planning meeting chaired by PDMA’s Director of Disaster Risk Management, Said Nawab, representatives from various provincial line departments gathered to lay the groundwork for the upcoming monsoon season. Emphasizing collaboration, Director Nawab stated, “We’ve begun the Monsoon Contingency Planning 2024 process by involving all stakeholders. These meetings will continue throughout April, with the plan expected to finalize by May.”

PDMA has proactively assigned specific roles and responsibilities to each department involved in the monsoon plan. Tools for data collection have been developed and shared, providing valuable insights on district-specific hazards, vulnerability profiles, and potential impacts.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th, 2024.