3 children killed, 10 injured in rain

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

The flow of rainwater in the Rod Kohi hill irrigation channels in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur has increased, while three children died because of electrocution during rains that have been lashing the region for the past three days.

At least 10 people, including three women, were injured in accidents caused by the rain. The authorities have also issued a flood warning amid the incessant rain spell.

District Emergency Officer Ahmad Kamal told The Express Tribune that six-year-old Muhammad Ashiq and four-year-old Mohabbat Khan had died of electrocution in a house near Maamori Road.

Rescue 1122 personnel reached the spot and took the victims to a hospital, but the children died while being shifted, he said, adding that their mother Mehwish Mai had also suffered electric shock.

Another incident took place in Khayaban Sarwar, where a child named Fahad died due to electric current in a grill along stairs. Similarly, Mrs Tanveer, Riyaz Hussain, Imran Khan, Ghulam Farid, Mohammad Amin, Mohammad Irshad, Sohnar Bibi, Haji Shah and Maryam were injured due to electrocution in different areas of Dera Ghazi Khan district, The victims were residents of Shah Sadar Deen, Basti Tabbi Esran, bus stand, Hyder Chowk, Chit Road, Gilani Colony, Shahzad Colony, Shinwari Hotel, Kot Chhata Road, and Block 28.

The Rescue 1122 officials shifted them to nearby hospitals after giving first aid. Meanwhile, rain continued on the Koh-e-Sulaiman range.

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a warning of medium to high flash floods in the hill torrents.

The PDMA stated that due to the rains in the hilly areas of Koh-e-Sulaiman, a high level of flooding may occur.

During the next 72 hours, there is a possibility of medium to high levels of flooding in rivers in the region.

The authority also issued a province-wide alert in view of the rain in various districts of Punjab, including Lahore.

Bhakar received 28mm of rainfall on Sunday, Gujrat 83mm, Mandi Bahauddin 40mm, Narowal 43mm and Murree 31mm. Noorpur Thal recorded 26mm of rainfall, Sheikhupura 33, Sialkot 50 and Faisalabad 7mm.

Monsoon rains are likely in most districts of Punjab in the next 24 hours, with the spell predicted to continue till Tuesday.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia issued instructions to the deputy commissioners across the province to remain alert. He said the departments concerned should be on alert to deal with emergencies.

The administration of big cities remained on high alert because of the fear of urban flooding. Monitoring of the situation in the PDMA control room continued. Rescue 1122 and other agencies were advised to keep their equipment and staff on alert.

The official said water should be drained from residential areas as soon as possible.

He advised the citizens to stay away from electric poles and hanging wires, as well as dilapidated buildings.

He said the people to take care of children and never let them go near water pooling in low-lying areas.