At least 17 people died, 23 others injured in heavy rain related incidents in different parts of KP

PESHAWAR, March 02 (SABAH): At least 17 people died and 23 others injured in heavy rain related incidents in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the last twenty four hours.

 According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Peshawar, 21 houses were completely damaged while thirteen partially damaged in the province.  Meanwhile, tourists trapped by heavy snowfall in Malam Jabba have also been rescued.

Rescue Director General (DG) Peshawar confirmed that five children, a woman, and a man lost their lives, while five others sustained injuries in rain-related incidents in the Khyber district. Incidents of roof collapse were also reported in Peshawar, Lower Dir, and Bajaur, resulting in the unfortunate loss of human lives and livestock.

The Rescue DG expressed deep concern over the untold woes inflicted on the affected people, emphasising the challenges posed by the roof collapse incidents.

Tragedy struck in Lower Dir when a mudslide buried a house, leading to the death of three individuals. Rescue teams swiftly responded, recovering the bodies and transporting the injured to the hospital.

Khyber district experienced a third consecutive day of rain and snowfall, causing low-lying areas to be inundated and residents facing considerable difficulties in daily activities.

The adverse weather conditions are not confined to KP alone. From Lahore to Balochistan, Karachi, and the northern mountainous areas, the entire country is grappling with the repercussions of unpredictable weather patterns.

In Karachi, authorities declared a ‘rain emergency’ due to the ongoing unpredictable weather, while Lahore witnessed light rain in various areas, including Gulberg, Lahore Cantonment, and Mall Road. Other cities in Punjab, such as Kasur, Muridke, Phoolnagar, Sharaqpur, and Jhang, reported downpours, resulting in casualties and property damage.

Gwadar, experiencing heavy rain, faced challenges as the drainage system and rescue infrastructure severely affected, prompting residents to seek safer locations. In Sibbi and nearby areas, heavy rains persisted for 14 hours, leading to rising water levels in rivers and canals. The irrigation department issued a high alert, urging emergency rescue teams to be prepared for any unfortunate situation.

Northern mountainous areas, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), reported intermittent rain and snowfall, raising concerns about highway blockades due to snow and landslides.