Washed Away: Flood water continues to fuel wave of destruction
More fields swamped, buildings destroyed as heavy rain incites Swat River.
The only road connecting Utror to Kalam was washed away by floods two days ago and has not yet been restored. PHOTO: REUTERS
MINGORA:
The surge of water in Swat River continued to wreak havoc on Friday, swamping fields and washing away concrete structures.
"The flood has wiped out 16 houses, while it is looming over hundreds of others which have already been evacuated. Thousands of acres of agricultural lands with standing crops have also been inundated," Muhammad Iqbal, former nazim of Utror, told The Express Tribune.
He accused the government of focusing on preparing for the upcoming Swat festival instead of paying attention to the alarming situation.
Others from Utror expressed concern over a shortage of food items due to damaged roads, which have left many stranded.
The only road connecting Utror to Kalam was washed away by floods two days ago and has not yet been restored, leaving more than 35,000 people living in Utror, Gabral and Gujar Gabral areas with nowhere to go.
The district government, however, insists it is actively taking protective measures, saying it has already made an announcement asking villagers along the riverside to vacate their homes.
“18 vehicles have been sent to transport rocks to protect roads and strengthen the protection walls. I am hopeful we will stop the water from entering residential areas," said Tehsil Municipal Officer Nisar Khan.
The surge of water in Swat River continued to wreak havoc on Friday, swamping fields and washing away concrete structures.
"The flood has wiped out 16 houses, while it is looming over hundreds of others which have already been evacuated. Thousands of acres of agricultural lands with standing crops have also been inundated," Muhammad Iqbal, former nazim of Utror, told The Express Tribune.
He accused the government of focusing on preparing for the upcoming Swat festival instead of paying attention to the alarming situation.
Others from Utror expressed concern over a shortage of food items due to damaged roads, which have left many stranded.
The only road connecting Utror to Kalam was washed away by floods two days ago and has not yet been restored, leaving more than 35,000 people living in Utror, Gabral and Gujar Gabral areas with nowhere to go.
The district government, however, insists it is actively taking protective measures, saying it has already made an announcement asking villagers along the riverside to vacate their homes.
“18 vehicles have been sent to transport rocks to protect roads and strengthen the protection walls. I am hopeful we will stop the water from entering residential areas," said Tehsil Municipal Officer Nisar Khan.