K-P declares emergency in six rain-hit districts

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has declared an emergency in six districts hit hard by torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides, as the province reels from widespread devastation.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has been mobilized to provide quick aid to the flood victims including food, tents and medical supplies.

The emergency covers Buner, Swat, Mansehra, Bajaur, Mohmand, and Abbottabad, areas where heavy monsoon downpours over recent days have caused casualties, destroyed homes, and damaged infrastructure. Officials fear outbreaks of waterborne and other communicable diseases in the aftermath.

The Directorate General Health Services has ordered district health officers, medical superintendents, and heads of medical teaching institutions to establish flood control rooms without delay and submit daily reports tracking disease trends and local conditions. These measures aim to ensure uninterrupted medical services and the availability of essential medicines in hospitals and basic health units.

All doctors, paramedics, and other health personnel have been placed on high alert, with their annual and casual leaves cancelled.

"The provincial government's top priority is safeguarding the lives and health of the people," said Health Department Adviser Ehtesham Ali. He directed health facilities to maintain close coordination with district administrations and rescue teams for swift emergency response.

Meanwhile, Provincial Irrigation Minister Aqibullah Khan has directed all Chief Engineers and departmental staff to remain at their duty stations and stay vigilant amid the ongoing monsoon rains and potential flooding.

Chairing a meeting at the Civil Secretariat Peshawar with Secretary Irrigation, he reviewed flood-preparedness measures in detail.

"The protection of life and property is a collective responsibility," Aqibullah stressed, warning of strict action against negligent officials. He also announced plans to personally inspect district-level preparations and visit vulnerable areas in the coming days.

In his directives, the minister emphasised timely awareness campaigns and effective coordination between irrigation staff, local administrations, and disaster management authorities to avert major damage in case of river or canal overflow.

Adding to the chorus of concern, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi instructed Pakistan Red Crescent Society's district offices and other rescue agencies to intensify relief operations, especially in the worst-hit Bajaur district. He called for urgent provision of shelter, food, and medical assistance to displaced families, pledging that victims across all affected areas would not be abandoned.