The recent onslaught of storms and heavy rainfall in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P) districts of Bannu, Karak, DI Khan, and Lakki Marwat has resulted in at least 27 fatalities and 169 injuries, as reported by the local disaster management authority on Sunday.
Over the past day, powerful storms wreaking havoc in K-P’s southern districts like Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Karak, have led to widespread destruction, including demolished homes, toppled trees and electricity pylons, and hundreds of individuals left isolated, officials revealed.
The dual onslaught of torrential rainfall and robust winds has given rise to tragic occurrences like the collapse of walls and roofs and the toppling of trees, leading to two deaths and multiple injuries.
According to hospital reports, the severe weather conditions of high-speed winds and heavy rain have claimed five lives and injured 39 individuals in Lakki Marwat. Official sources from Karak reported that the windstorm there resulted in five fatalities, leaving ten wounded.
The catastrophic events have incurred significant financial losses, predominantly impacting the solar panel installations on mosques, schools, and residential rooftops.
Preliminary evaluations indicate that these damages could total millions of rupees, with numerous solar panels missing or extensively damaged. Furthermore, the electricity supply has been interrupted in most of the impacted regions.
Sources stated that the death toll in Bannu due to the severe storm has climbed to 15, and two deaths, including a young girl, were due to roof collapses and falling trees.
The PDMA spokesperson also disclosed that on the orders of the K-P government, Rs40 million had been allocated to aid those affected in Bannu.
Pakistan Army’s rescue teams have commenced relief operations in the most severely affected regions of K-P, including Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Karak.
The prime minister has instructed the National Disaster Management Authority to implement relief and rehabilitation measures in the affected regions, collaborating with the PDMA and Rescue 1122.
