ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province announced the deaths of three children due to heavy rains and flash floods on Tuesday, as more downpours were forecast in several districts of Punjab in the next 24 hours.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab has reported 54 people lost their lives during this year’s monsoon season in Pakistan, with 141 others injured in various rain-related incidents in the province.
Most of the fatalities were due to lightning strikes and the collapse of dilapidated buildings, highlighting the severe impact of the heavy rains.
Similar incidents have plagued KP since the onset of the monsoon, exacerbating the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.
“Monsoon rains are likely in most districts of Punjab in the next 24 hours,” the Punjab PDMA informed in a statement. “In the last 24 hours, Murree recorded 18 mm, Rahim Yar Khan 17, Chakwal 12 and Joharabad also recorded 12 mm of rain.”
“Due to monsoon rains, the water level in rivers, dams and canals is increasing,” the statement added.
PDMA officials in KP also released 24-hour tabulated data up until 1 PM on Tuesday, reporting the deaths of two children in the Mohmand tribal district and one in Mansehra during that period.
The Punjab PDMA chief, Irfan Ali Kathia, said all necessary arrangements had been made in anticipation of a possible flood situation in parts of the province.
He added that financial assistance had been provided to the families of those who lost their loved ones during the monsoon.
“The precious loss of life can be avoided by taking precautionary measures,” he emphasized.
The Punjab PDMA also urged people to avoid weak and dilapidated buildings.
Three children die due to floods in Pakistan’s northwest as Punjab braces for downpours
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Three children die due to floods in Pakistan’s northwest as Punjab braces for downpours
- Officials in Punjab say all necessary arrangements have been made in anticipation of a possible flood situation
- The country has witnessed most monsoon deaths due to lightning strikes and collapse of dilapidated buildings
Rescuers evacuate dozens to safety amid heavy snowfall in northwest Pakistan
- Khyber, Swat and South Waziristan are areas worst affected by snowfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Authorities say rescue operations ongoing, process of clearing roads underway in affected areas
ISLAMABAD: Rescuers evacuated dozens of stranded residents to safety as heavy snowfall blanketed several mountainous districts, blocked roads and cut off villages in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, authorities said on Friday.
Rescue 1122 teams are operating in different areas of Tirah valley in KP’s Khyber district and shifted over 40 people, including children, to safe locations. The evacuees were provided with food, warm clothes and bedding, according to Rescue 1122 spokesman Bilal Faizi.
Around 55 people, who had been stranded in 20 vehicles in Sandana area, were rescued. Rescue 1122 teams from Peshawar, Swabi and Nowshera are participating in rescue operations, which continue despite difficulties due to slippery roads and heavy snow.
“People are stranded at various places due to heavy snowfall,” KP government spokesman Shafi Jan said in a statement. “Contact with some areas is not possible due to the suspension of [mobile] signals and road closures, however, rescue operations are ongoing.”
Separately, several people were stranded in four vehicles in Bahrain area of KP’s Swat, according to Rescue 1122.
“As soon as the information was received, the rescue disaster and medical teams immediately reached the scene,” the rescue service said. “The rescue personnel, taking professional action, safely shifted all the people to a safe place and also safely recovered the stranded vehicles.”
The process of clearing snow from the Malam Jabba Road, Kalam and other areas was being carried out, according to local authorities. Heavy snowfall has disrupted traffic on several roads in South Waziristan’s Ladha town as well.
Provincial authorities have not yet reported any loss of life.
Snowstorms have proven deadly in Pakistan in the past. At least 21 people, including children, died in January 2022 after they were stuck in freezing temperatures during a snowstorm in the Pakistani hill station of Murree.
Tens of thousands of tourists flock to Pakistan’s scenic areas in northwestern KP to witness snowfall every winter, often neglecting warnings from disaster management authorities amid dangerous weather conditions.
