Eighteen killed as rains batter K-P

At least 18 people have lost their lives and 19 others have been injured across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa since July 19 due to heavy rains and flash floods, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Wednesday.

The fatalities occurred after house roofs and walls collapsed and people were swept away by flash floods. The deceased include seven men, eight children and three women, while the injured comprise 11 men, four women and four children.

The authority reported that 30 houses were damaged during the recent spell of severe weather, including 23 partially damaged and seven completely destroyed homes.

The rain-related incidents were reported from Peshawar, Nowshera, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Shangla, Swabi, Lower Chitral, Lower and Upper Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Tor Ghar, Kurram, and North and South Waziristan.

The PDMA said it is working in close coordination with Rescue 1122, district administrations and other relevant departments, with relief and rescue operations continuing in the affected areas. District administrations have been directed to expedite relief efforts and ensure the immediate provision of assistance and essential supplies to affected families.

According to the PDMA, water levels and flow in all major rivers and streams across the province remain within normal limits.

The authority has warned that intermittent heavy rains are likely to continue until July 23 and said that all district administrations had already been placed on alert to respond to any emergency situation.

PDMA Director General urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from vulnerable tourist destinations, and strictly follow official weather alerts and safety advisories.

The PDMA's Emergency Operations Centre remains fully operational. Citizens have been advised to report any emergency, seek weather updates or obtain information by calling the authority's toll-free helpline 1700.