Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab on Saturday, leading to widespread destruction. According to official reports, these adverse weather conditions resulted in the death of at least 28 people and left over 100 others injured.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) provided a detailed breakdown of the devastation. Rain-related incidents in areas such as Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Karak, and Lakki Marwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounted for 25 fatalities and 145 injuries. The PDMA also reported that a minimum of 69 houses were partially damaged.
In Bannu, 15 people died, 100 were injured, and 68 homes were partially damaged. In contrast, the Lakki Marwat district saw five fatalities and 42 injuries. Karak witnessed four deaths and one injury, while in Dera Ismail Khan, a child lost their life, two people were injured, and one home suffered partial damage.
Local Emergency Service on High Alert
Rescue 1122, a local emergency service, remains highly alert to manage further incidents. They have been active in providing relief and medical aid, especially in areas witnessing roof collapses due to heavy rain. Their search and rescue operations continue unabated.
The KP caretaker Information Minister, Barrister Feroze Jamal Shah, announced a high alert status in hospitals across the impacted districts. The interim government, he said, was maintaining close contact with local authorities in the affected areas.
Torrential Rains Batter Punjab
Other areas of Punjab, such as Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad, were also battered by torrential rains and strong winds. In the Chan village of Khushab district, a wall collapse led to the tragic death of three girls. Gujranwala district reported at least 10 injuries from rain-related incidents. The harsh weather conditions also caused significant disruptions to the electricity supply across various regions.
Heavy Rain Reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Heavy rain and thunderstorms were also reported from Nakyal City in Azad Jammu, Kashmir, and its suburbs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a conversation with Deputy Speaker National Assembly Zahid Akram Durrani, expressed deep regret over the loss of life and property. Assuring that the people of Lakki Marwat would not be abandoned in these difficult times, he directed the KP chief secretary and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to take immediate steps to handle any further emergencies.
