At least five people, including two women and two children, were killed and four children were injured in separate rain-related incidents as flash floods swept across Khyber-Paktunkhwa, according to the provincial disaster management authority (PDMA).
District authorities and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued a fresh alert warning of flash and riverine flooding in parts of the country due to moderate to heavy monsoon rains forecast between July 6 and 10.
Heavy rain and flash flooding have claimed at least 21 lives — including 10 children — in K-P since the monsoon season began last month. According to PDMA, 14 of the deceased died in the Swat Valley, where flash flood swept away families gathered near a riverbank.
In its latest report issued on Sunday, PDMA stated that five people, including one man, two women and two children, were killed and fourth others were injured in rain-related incidents across the province.
Read: PMD warns of thunderstorms, flash floods in K-P
The provincial authority said at least one house was completely destroyed and three others were partially damaged due to torrential rains and floodwaters. These incidents occurred in Buner, Mohmand and Charsadda districts.
A PDMA spokesperson said district administrations have been directed to provide immediate assistance to affected families and ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
Flood warning issued
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the current weather system is being fuelled by moisture from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, along with a prevailing westerly wave.
Read more: Karachi’s Lyari building collapse claims 27 lives as rescue operation concludes
Heavy rainfall is expected in central and northeastern Punjab, lower Sindh, central K-P, Balochistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Rivers Indus, Chenab, and Kabul are likely to see rising water levels, with low flood already observed at Tarbela, Kalabagh and Chashma.
Flash floods are also feared in the tributaries of Swat, Panjkora, Jhelum, Chitral and streams from the Pir Panjal and Kirthar ranges, especially affecting districts such as Awaran, Khuzdar and Jhal Magsi.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay alert, avoid flooded routes and move valuables to higher ground. Urban administrations have been told to ensure dewatering machinery is in place.
NDMA said it remains in contact with provincial and district authorities and urged citizens to follow official advisories and use the Disaster Alert App for real-time updates.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ