Four killed as rains lash Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
[1/2] An aerial view shows trees and houses in the aftermath of floods, in Phrae Province, Thailand, August 24, 2024. Thailand's Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation/Handout via REUTERS Purchase Licensing Rights
As many as four people have been killed due to heavy rains over the last 24 hours, including three who were buried under a large rock which fell on a bus in the Kohistan area, stated a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Association (PDMA).
In Upper Kohistan, landslides caused by the heavy rain caused a large rock from a landslide to fall on a bus, resulting in three deaths and injuries to another individual. In Malakand, a child was killed by lightning, the report continued.
Due to the heavy rains and landslides, the Thal to Kumrat road in Upper Dir was closed at various points for all types of traffic. The Patrak to Kumrat road was also closed due to landslides.
The PDMA has directed the concerned district administrations to take immediate steps to open the closed roads. The report stated that all resources were being utilised to open the closed roads for general traffic and to arrange alternative routes immediately.
Since July 1st, a total of 96 people have died, and 133 have been injured in various accidents due to rain the rain, statistics available with the department revealed.
A total of 963 houses have been damaged, with 261 completely destroyed due to rains and flash floods. PDMA has instructed the concerned district administrations to expedite relief operations in the affected areas.
Financial assistance and relief materials have been provided to the administration of the affected districts for relief activities. PDMA, relevant agencies, and rescue teams are actively engaged in relief operations in the areas. The authority and its director general are monitoring the situation.
PDMA's Emergency Operations Center is fully operational, and the public/tourists are advised to contact 1700 to report unpleasant incidents, provide weather updates and seek information on road closures, for further guidance.