Heavy rains claim five lives in K-P

PESHAWAR:

The heavy rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have resulted in the loss of over five lives and injuries to eight others over the past two days, according to a report released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

The report revealed that among the injured, three men, two women, and five children are included. The injuries sustained vary in severity, with casualties reported from different districts including Bajaur, Battagram, Mansehra, Buner, Upper, and Lower Dir.

Moreover, a total of 14 houses suffered damage from collapsing walls, roofs, and lightning strikes. Among these, one house has been completely destroyed while 13 others have been partially damaged.

However, despite the challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions, all highways and link roads across the province remain accessible to traffic of all kinds.

Read more: K-P rain death toll reaches 63

Relief efforts are underway in the rain-affected districts, coordinated by the PDMA and relevant authorities.

The inclement weather is forecasted to persist intermittently until April 30, prompting the PDMA to issue precautionary instructions to all district administrations since April 24, urging them to remain vigilant and take necessary preventive measures.

In light of the situation, the PDMA's emergency operation centre is fully operational, ready to respond to any emergent situation. The public has been urged to report any untoward incidents by dialling 1700 on their phones.

In the wake of the causalities, K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families affected by the spate of accidents caused by heavy rains in the province.

In a special statement issued on Sunday, he expressed deep regret over the loss of life and property, particularly mourning the demise of five people in these incidents.

He announced financial assistance for the affected families and instructed relevant authorities to promptly address their needs. He instructed to provide the best medical care to the injured and demanded a comprehensive report detailing the extent of the loss of life and property across the province.

Assuring full support to the victims during this trying time, the CM said the provincial government stands by the people to provide assistance through all available means.

Rain likely in various parts of country

Meanwhile, in the upcoming 24 hours, the meteorological department has forecasted a likelihood of rain in the northern regions of the country.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain-windstorm/thunderstorms with isolated hailstorms for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, upper/central Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.

Heavy falls are also likely at a few places in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Kashmir and adjacent hilly areas. Dry weather with gusty winds is likely elsewhere in the country.

Isolated/moderate to heavy rainfall may generate flash floods in local nullahs/Streams of Dir, Swat, Chitral, Manshera, Kohistan and Kashmir till April 29.

Heavy falls may cause landslides in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan may affect the vulnerable locations during the period. Windstorms/hailstorms and lightning may affect human lives, standing crops, and loose structures such as electric poles, vehicles solar panels during the period.

According to the synoptic situation, a strong westerly wave was affecting the upper parts of the country and likely to persist during the next 24 to 36 hours.

During the last 24 hours, rain-windstorms/thunderstorms occurred in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Punjab, northeast Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. Hailstorm is also observed at a few places in the Potohar region, Islamabad, Murree, Galliyat and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.