Nature’s wrath: 80 dead, 58 injured so far in K-P: PDMA

Floods, rain in Chitral, G-B continue to wreak destruction .

CHITRAL/ GILGIT:

At least 80 people have died so far while 58 others have been injured in heavy rains and flash floods in various parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, stated a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday.

Destruction remains the order of the day as a fresh spate of flooding hit various parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday night.

Chitral

Mastuj tehsil in Chitral has been most affected by the catastrophe. Although no loss of life was reported, several houses and agricultural land were destroyed.

According to an official of the district administration, Bareep has been hit by floods for the second time in the last 20 days.

“At least 49 houses have been completely destroyed,” he added. In Khojh and Parkhosap areas, floodwater has swept away crops and inundated arable land.

The recent spate has also raised water levels in Chitral River. A petrol station and several shops have been damaged in Green Lusht area of the district.

The Express Tribune has learnt that the road connecting Chitral and Gilgit has also been blocked.

As a result, vehicles carrying food and other items to Mastuj from Gilgit have experienced countless difficulties. Some believe the situation could spiral out of control and result in a food shortage.

Zahiruddin Babar, a social activist and resident of Boni area, told The Express Tribune food supplies have dwindled in Mastuj tehsil and could have an adverse effect.

He urged the government to take alternative steps to tackle the crisis as it could take more time to restore road links.

On the other hand, locals say the entire Ayun union council could come under water if the relevant authorities do not take steps to bring the situation under control.

Destruction in G-B

At least 10 houses were completely destroyed while 30 were partially damaged in Gaise Valley of Diamer district in G-B.

A mosque, footbridge and 700 kanals of agricultural land in the valley were swept away by the floods.

“I’ve visited the valley with officials of the works department,” Diamer Deputy Commissioner Usman Ahmed told The Express Tribune. “The damages are colossal. There are continuous rains and floods in the district which have caused losses for people.”

He added a lake has also formed in the valley due to the floods.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2015.