Torrential rains and flooding have wreaked havoc in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the loss of approximately 15 lives within just 48 hours. In Pakpattan, tragic incidents of electrocution claimed three lives, with Waqas and Ramzan losing their lives while bathing, and a two-year-old baby named Ayesha passing away after accidentally touching an electric wire in the Sikandar Chowk area.
Meanwhile, the devastation in KP’s Mansehra and Chitral districts has been severe, with five fatalities and several injuries reported. The heavy rainfall triggered widespread destruction, washing away houses and roads in the affected areas. Hafeezur Rehman, the head of Rescue 1122 in Mansehra, highlighted the grim situation, stating that the torrential rain had caused loss of lives, injuries, and collapses of many houses and roads in the district.
One tragic incident involved the collapse of the house of an Afghan national, Samiullah, in Thakra area, where six family members were buried under the rubble. While his wife and son were pronounced dead, the rest were rushed to the King Abdullah Teaching Hospital for medical attention. Additionally, a house collapse in the Dehri area of Shinkiari resulted in the tragic loss of Ajwa Bibi and her younger brother Mohammad Umar, who were buried alive. The timely efforts of locals and Rescue 1122 officials allowed them to be retrieved from the debris and taken to the hospital, but Ajwa Bibi couldn’t be saved.
In another heartbreaking incident, the family members of Mohammad Qadeer faced a similar fate when their house in the Lohar Banda area collapsed. While Mohammad Hussain, aged 9, was pronounced dead, four other family members were admitted to King Abdullah Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The incessant rainfall in Mansehra, which began late Friday night and continued intermittently, caused significant damage to numerous houses and blocked several roads, posing significant challenges for rescue teams. The devastation has been widespread, leaving communities grappling with loss and damage.
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The situation demands urgent attention and effective disaster management strategies. Relief efforts must be swift and comprehensive to provide assistance to those affected by the floods and rains. It is crucial for the authorities to prioritize safety measures and improve the infrastructure in the vulnerable regions to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future. As communities come together to face these challenges, the resilience and determination of the people will be instrumental in rebuilding their lives and communities after this devastating event.
