PESHAWAR: At least 21 people have been killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district after lightning strikes and a cloudburst hit the Salarzai area, also damaging several houses.
Local sources said the cloudburst caused water levels to rise dangerously, cutting off access routes and hampering rescue efforts. Residents are attempting to assist the victims on their own.
At least 21 people have been killed and five injured after a cloudburst triggered severe flooding in Bajaur district, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
PDMA Friday reported that torrential rains and flash floods over the past 24 hours have left 43 people dead and 14 others injured across various districts of the province.
Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali said most of the bodies have been recovered, while three injured have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar.
Rescue operations are continuing to locate more victims, with seven people still reported missing. Residents, along with rescue teams, are working to save those affected.
In Lower Dir’s Maidan Sori Makan area, the roof of a house collapsed, killing four people and injuring another four. Rescuers and locals pulled seven people from the rubble.
In Battagram’s Union Council Shamlai, lightning strikes and a flash flood destroyed six to eight houses, sweeping away 30 to 40 people.
According to Rescue 1122, ten bodies have been recovered so far. The remote location is hampering rescue operations, and locals have appealed to the government for immediate assistance.
Read more: Over 58 Killed In Kishtwar Flash Floods, Dozens others Missing
