No let-up in rain ravages; 21 dead

15 houses destroyed, 85 damaged; dozens of cattle perish in landslides, roof collapses

PESHAWAR:

The toll from rain-related incidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) over the past three days has tragically risen to 21 fatalities, with at least 17 individuals sustaining injuries.

The torrential downpours have wreaked havoc on communities, resulting in significant damage to property.

A staggering 85 houses have been affected, with reports of roof collapses, landslides, and the complete destruction of 15 residences.

Monday alone witnessed seven fatalities in various incidents, while three individuals were swept away by flash floods, with fears mounting for their safety.

The impact of the torrential rains has been felt across several districts, including Chitral Lower, Dir Upper and Lower, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Mansehra, Mohmand, and Malakand.

Tragically, six lives were lost when a landslide buried a house in Dir Lower, including two women and two children. Additionally, three individuals, including an infant, met a watery grave while attempting to cross overflowing nullahs in Tank and Dir Lower.

In anticipation of the possibility of further flooding due to the relentless rainfall, an Emergency Flood Control Room has been established at the Chief Minister Secretariat. This initiative aims to streamline coordination efforts with relevant stakeholders across the province, facilitating information dissemination and prompt response to emergencies.

Operating round the clock, the control room will promptly relay any emergent situations to the Chief Minister’s attention. Mohsin Iqbal, Deputy Secretary (Governance) of the Chief Minister Secretariat, has been appointed as the Focal Person/In-charge of the Emergency Flood Control Room, tasked with ensuring effective management and swift action in response to flood-related challenges.

It can be accessed on the following numbers: UAN: 091-111-712-713, Fax No: 091-9210707, WhatsApp No: 0343-2222949.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has issued a series of directives to various government bodies to ensure swift and effective response to the ongoing rain situation. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate potential risks to lives and properties.

Under his guidance, district administrations, the Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Rescue Services, and other relevant agencies have been instructed to maintain a state of high alert. This includes making necessary arrangements to minimize potential losses and swiftly respond to any emergency situations that may arise.

Furthermore, the CM has mandated the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and directives issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). He underscored the importance of having staff readily available in affected areas and urged local government bodies to ensure their presence in the field.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2024.