K-P rain death toll rises to 18, more rain forecast: PDMA

30 houses sustain damage from heavy rains, flash floods, intermittent heavy rainfall continues until July 23

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Four members of the same family were killed after the roof of their house collapsed during torrential rains in Upper South Waziristan. PHOTO: EXPRESS

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MIRANSHAH/ PESHAWAR:

At least 18 people died, and 19 others were injured in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) since July 19 after heavy rains and flash floods triggered roof and wall collapses and swept people away in floodwaters, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Wednesday.

According to the PDMA, the deceased included seven men, eight children and three women, while the injured comprised 11 men, four women and four children.

The authority said the rain-related incidents were reported in Peshawar, Nowshera, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Shangla, Swabi, Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Tor Ghar, Kurram, and North and South Waziristan.

The PDMA said 30 houses had been damaged by the heavy rains and flash floods, including 23 partially damaged and seven destroyed.

South Waziristan

Four members of the same family were killed after the roof of their house collapsed during torrential rains in Upper South Waziristan, while flash floods caused extensive damage to agricultural land in low-lying areas of Lower South Waziristan.

Heavy overnight rainfall between Tuesday and Wednesday caused widespread destruction in both Upper and Lower South Waziristan.

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner Fazal Wadood, the tragic incident occurred in Bangi Wala village, on the outskirts of Sararogha tehsil, where the roof of a room suddenly collapsed due to the intense rainfall.

The victims were identified as the head of the family, Sajid Mehsud, his wife, one son, and one daughter.

District authorities and rescue teams launched relief operations immediately after the incident and assured the affected family of all possible assistance.

Meanwhile, torrential rains in Lower South Waziristan caused seasonal streams to overflow, leading to severe erosion along riverbanks and stream embankments. Vast stretches of agricultural land were washed away by flash floods.

Local residents said flash floods during the monsoon season damage valuable farmland every year, but the absence of permanent protective embankments has left farmers facing repeated financial losses.

Residents of Upper South Waziristan urged the K-P government and the PDMA to provide immediate financial assistance and adequate compensation to the bereaved family.

Similarly, residents of Lower South Waziristan called on the provincial government and the Irrigation Department to construct protective embankments along rivers and seasonal streams to prevent future erosion, safeguard agricultural land and protect farmers' livelihoods.

The district administration advised residents of both districts to avoid unnecessary movement near seasonal streams and waterways and to take precautionary measures in view of forecasts of further rainfall, warning that additional flooding is possible in the coming days.

Rain-related incidents

In Peshawar, rainwater entered Naseerullah Babar Teaching Hospital, flooding the women's ward. Water reached patients' stretchers, while hospital staff were forced to climb onto chairs after becoming stranded, according to reports.

Videos showing water inundating wards of the government-run hospital circulated widely on social media. The incident comes within 24 hours of another hospital in Peshawar also being affected by rainwater.

In Nowshera, floodwaters inundated Government Primary School No 2 in Taru Jabba, with water entering classrooms and raising fears that the ageing building could collapse.

Read: At least 12 killed, 18 injured as heavy rains batter K-P over last two days

Separately, Rescue 1122 said a tree fell near the livestock market on GT Road in Nasirpur due to heavy rain, blocking access to nearby homes. Rescue teams reached the site immediately, removed the tree and restored the road. No casualties were reported.

PDMA warns

The PDMA said that Rescue 1122, district administrations and other relevant departments remained in close coordination and were continuing relief operations across the affected districts. It added that district administrations had been directed to immediately provide relief supplies to affected families and accelerate assistance efforts.

The PDMA said water levels and flow in all rivers and streams across the province remained within normal limits despite the ongoing spell of rain.

It warned that intermittent heavy rainfall was likely to continue until July 23, adding that all district administrations had already been placed on alert.

The authority urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from vulnerable tourist destinations and follow official weather advisories. It said the PDMA Emergency Operations Centre remained fully operational and advised citizens to contact its toll-free helpline 1700 in case of emergencies or for weather-related information.

Rain forecast 

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of flash flooding and landslides in the province's mountainous areas through Thursday due to heavy rainfall.

The Met Office said low-lying areas of Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan and Swabi could face urban flooding, while strong winds and lightning may damage vulnerable infrastructure, including electricity poles, solar panels and billboards.

PESCO said 132 of the 148 electricity feeders that tripped during the recent rains had been restored. Repair work continued on the remaining 12 feeders, with electricity expected to be restored within the next few hours.