Six dead as rains batter Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Tourists stranded, villages cut off as flash floods wreck homes, wash away access roads

PESHAWAR:

Six people have lost their lives and five others have been injured in various rain-related incidents since June 20 across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has released a preliminary report on the human and material losses caused by recent heavy rains, lightning strikes, and collapsing walls across the province.

The fatalities include three men, one woman, and two children, while the injured comprise three men and two women.

The report further states that a total of seven houses were damaged during the storms and five were partially damaged, while two were completely destroyed.

The incidents occurred in various districts of the province, including Mansehra, Buner, Lower and Upper Dir, Malakand, and Kolai Palas Kohistan.

The PDMA has directed local administrations to provide immediate assistance to affected families and ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.

Rainfall is expected to continue until June 23. The PDMA had already issued alerts to all district administrations to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures in advance.

PDMA officials added that the authority is in constant communication with district administrations and all relevant rescue and relief agencies. The Emergency Operations Center of PDMA is fully operational, and the public is urged to report any emergency by calling 1700.

On Saturday heavy torrential rains lashed the scenic areas of Kohistan in Upper Dir, including Jahaz Banda, Lamoti, Badgoi, and Jandri, triggering flash floods in streams and the Kohistan River. As a result, a child lost his life and widespread destruction has been reported.

The intense rainfall swept away at least three key connecting bridges in Jahaz Banda, Lamoti, Jandri, and nearby areas, severing road links and isolating local communities. Residents have initiated road repairs on a self-help basis amid the destruction.

Several houses, fertile farmlands, and access roads were washed away in the floods. Portions of the main Kumrat Road were also destroyed at various points, leaving scores of tourists stranded. Long queues of vehicles were seen along damaged sections of the route.

Floodwaters entered Patraak Bazaar, inundating shops and homes, causing substantial losses to both residents and traders. Multiple hydropower units were also swept away, resulting in power outages in several areas. Crops and fruit orchards were severely affected by the deluge.

Assistant Commissioner of Sheringal, Dir Bala, Muhammad Fayaz, along with local police, reached the affected areas and launched relief and recovery operations. Speaking to the media, he stated that temporary restoration of access roads and bridges will be ensured as soon as possible to facilitate movement and aid.