Pakistan: Death Toll Reaches 10 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amid Heavy Rain

Heavy rainfall over the past two days in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has resulted in the loss of 10 lives, injuries to 14 others, and damage to more than 56 houses across nearly 20 districts, according to a report from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The affected districts include Bajaur, Battagram, Mansehra, Buner, Upper, and Lower Dir.

The PDMA report states that the fatalities and injuries were caused by roof collapse incidents in the Bajaur and Swat districts. In addition to the human toll, the heavy rains have also led to the blocking of roads and heavy snowfall in hilly areas. Wheat, fruit, and vegetable crops in Kohat and South Waziristan have also suffered damage.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, all highways and link roads in the province remain accessible to traffic. However, the Met Office has predicted more rainfall in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the next 24 hours, with the possibility of heavy showers and hailstorms in some areas. The PDMA has forecasted that the intense rainfall with thunderstorms and strong winds is expected to continue over the next 72 hours in the affected province.

Why this matters: The heavy rains and resulting casualties and damage highlight the vulnerability of communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to extreme weather events. The ongoing rescue and relief efforts underscore the importance of disaster preparedness and response in mitigating the impact of such incidents on the affected population.

The PDMA's Emergency Operation Center is fully functional, and the public has been advised to report any untoward incidents to the helpline number 1700. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing to clear roads and provide assistance to the affected communities. "PDMA's emergency operation center is fully functional, and district administrations are directed to step up relief activities in their respective districts," said Taimur Ali, media coordinator for the PDMA.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy rainfall in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province resulted in 10 deaths, 14 injuries.
• Damage to over 56 houses across 20 districts, with roads blocked and crops affected.
• PDMA reports fatalities and injuries caused by roof collapses in Bajaur and Swat districts.
• More rainfall and thunderstorms expected in the next 72 hours, PDMA issues public advisory.
• Ongoing rescue and relief efforts, PDMA's emergency operation center fully functional.