At least 26 people died and 77 others sustained injuries during rains related incidents since March 25 in parts of Khyber Pakthunkhwa. According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding human and financial losses in various districts of the province due to rains since March 25, a total of 26 people have died and 77 have been injured as a result of roofs and walls of houses collapsing due to torrential rains.

The deceased include 18 children, three men, and five women, while the injured include 33 men, nine women, and 35 children. A total of 102 houses damaged due to the rains, of which 82 were partially damaged and 20 were completely destroyed. These incidents occurred in various districts of the province, including Bannu, Abbottabad, Kohat, Peshawar, Nowshera, Bajaur, Lakki Marwat, Kurram, Hangu, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Upper Dir, Bajaur, Battagram, North Waziristan, and Tank.

PDMA, Rescue 1122, district administration, and other relevant institutions are in contact with each other and are continuing relief operations. PDMA has directed the administrations of the affected districts to provide relief goods to the victims as soon as possible. PDMA has specifically instructed the administration of the most affected district Bannu to ensure that financial assistance is provided to the families of the deceased without delay.

PDMA has also directed district administrations to accelerate relief activities and provide immediate assistance to the affected people. Intermittent rainfall continues in various districts of the province, and this current spell of rain is expected to continue until April 4. The public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel, refrain from visiting sensitive tourist areas, and follow alerts and advisories issued by government authorities. PDMA Emergency Operation Center is fully functional. Citizens can report any untoward incident or get weather updates and information by contacting the free helpline at 1700.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)