Flash floods kill six in Khyber

Rescue teams save 13 Afghan nationals after vehicle is swept away by raging floodwaters in Landi Kotal

KHYBER:

Flash floods triggered by torrential rains have claimed the lives of three Afghan nationals while rescue teams successfully saved 13 others from a vehicle swept away by raging floodwaters in the Niki Khel area of Landi Kotal.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, the ill-fated vehicle was carrying 16 individuals when it was overtaken by a violent flash flood at Niki Khel. In a swift and coordinated rescue operation, emergency responders managed to pull 13 survivors to safety. However, despite their best efforts, three individuals succumbed to the ferocious currents.

The search and rescue operation, which stretched over several hours, culminated in the recovery of all three bodies. The survivors, along with the deceased, were transported to the Hamza Baba Camp, where the injured and affected individuals received immediate medical attention, food supplies, and other essential facilities.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) extended its support by providing coffins and other necessary equipment for the deceased. Subsequently, with the coordination of the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar, all legal and travel documentation was completed. The 13 survivors were later transferred to the Torkham border, while the three bodies were handed over to Afghan authorities at Zero Point via ambulances provided by Afghan officials.

In other parts of the district, the deluge did not spare the Bara and Jamrud tehsils, where heavy downpours caused streams to swell dangerously, resulting in the collapse of several houses and boundary walls. As of the last reports, no casualties had been reported from these areas.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Khyber district administration has ramped up relief and rescue operations.