PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) authorities have stated that more than 200 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across the province over the past several days, while hundreds more have been injured and thousands displaced.
The disaster has played havoc and destroyed homes, infrastructure, and farmland, leaving vast areas inundated.
In Battagram more than 10 killed as lightning, flash floods wreak havoc; dozens missing. The rescue and relief efforts are ongoing in the worst-hit districts, with security forces, provincial agencies, and volunteers working round the clock to reach stranded residents. Authorities have warned that continued heavy rains could worsen the situation and urged the public to take precautionary measures.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed the fatalities, saying the crew sacrificed their lives while trying to save others.
Rescue teams were dispatched immediately to the crash site. The provincial government has announced a day of mourning, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast across the province.
Gandapur said the martyrs will be laid to rest with full state honours and expressed solidarity with their families in grief. He called the fallen crew “true heroes” whose sacrifice will be remembered in golden words in history.
At least 10 bodies have been recovered and several people remain missing after lightning strikes and flash floods hit Union Council Shamlai in Battagram district.
According to local reports, between 6 and 8 houses were destroyed and 30 to 40 people were swept away by floodwaters. Rescue teams have been dispatched, but remote terrain is hindering relief operations.
Authorities said six bodies were recovered in the initial search, while efforts to locate other missing persons are ongoing.
Residents have appealed to the government for immediate rescue and relief assistance.
According to details, the PDMA has issued an initial report of the havoc caused by the flash floods and rain in various districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 189 people killed and 21 injured in various incidents during the last 24 hours.
Out of the total number, 163 men, 14 women and 12 children were killed. According to the PDMA, 38 houses were partially damaged, whereas seven houses destroyed completely.
The incidents reported in Swat, Buner, Bajaur, Torghar, Manshera, Shangla and Battagram. Meanwhile, Bajaur and Battagram have faced more damage due to the inclement weather. The KP CM has urged the concern authorities to speed up their activities in this regard.
The PDMA said that Rs500million have been issued for the areas mostly affected by floods. Rs150million has been allocated to Buner, whereas Bajaur, Battagram, and Manshera have been given Rs100 million each. Rs50 million would be given to Swat.
The PMDA added that the emergency operation centre was completely mobilised to carry out rescue activities.
189 people have died due to deadly flooding and continuous rains in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as the PTI-led provincial government and Rescue 1122 continue operations in the affected regions.
Muzaffarabad saw nine fatalities and four injuries. 54 houses were destroyed due to the havoc.
The death toll from torrential rains and flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Buner district has crossed over 157, according to Deputy Commissioner Kashif Qayyum.
Read more: Cloudburst Kills 21 In Bajaur; Death Toll From Rains, Floods Rises Over 40 Acoss KP
