Rain Disaster in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Claims 11 More Lives

The keyword rain disaster has once again gripped Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, as heavy downpours and a fierce windstorm killed 11 people and injured 47 others in Dera Ismail Khan and Lower Dir. The toll added to the province’s mounting fatalities, now exceeding 400 deaths this season.

Deadly Impact in Dera Ismail Khan

The storm proved most lethal in Dera Ismail Khan, where eight people died. Five belonged to Dera Ismail Khan Tehsil, while three came from Paharpur Tehsil. The official report confirmed that 41 injured individuals received treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital, while six were admitted to Mian Muhammad Teaching Hospital.

Three victims remain in critical condition, while 18 others are under medical observation. Authorities discharged 26 people with minor injuries after treatment. Despite the widespread damage, no deaths or injuries were reported in Kalachi, Darazandha, Parwa, and Daraban tehsils.

Administration Responds Swiftly

Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan, District Police Officer, and Assistant Commissioner Syed Arsalan personally visited hospitals and supervised rescue operations. They also met with the injured to ensure that medical teams provided immediate care.

The district administration launched relief efforts, deploying rescue teams in affected areas. Officials urged residents to remain cautious and report emergencies promptly. This proactive approach aimed to prevent further casualties and speed up recovery efforts.

Windstorm Wreaks Havoc

The windstorm, recorded at a speed of 100 km/h, left widespread destruction. Roofs and walls collapsed under the pressure, leaving families displaced and homes damaged. Uprooted trees blocked major roads, paralyzing traffic and slowing down emergency movements.

The storm also dismantled solar panels fixed on rooftops, depriving many households of alternate energy. Simultaneously, the district plunged into darkness when the power supply system collapsed, adding another layer of distress for residents already facing the brunt of nature’s fury.

Lower Dir Tragedy

In Lower Dir’s Maidan area, the disaster took the lives of three children when the roof of their house caved in. Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the spot immediately after receiving the distress call. Despite their swift arrival, they could only retrieve the lifeless bodies of 10-year-old Qasim, 11-year-old Murtaza, and 9-year-old Sohail.

The incident spread shockwaves across the community, highlighting the vulnerability of mud and brick houses during heavy rains. Families in similar conditions now face fear and uncertainty about their safety.

Read: Heavy Rains Leave Daily Wage Earners Struggling in Karachi

Rescue Efforts Intensify

Rescue 1122 confirmed that both disaster and medical teams continue to work around the clock. Their mission focuses on clearing blocked roads, providing emergency medical treatment, and relocating vulnerable families to safer locations. With the situation still tense, authorities remain on high alert for further emergencies.

The administration’s coordination with hospitals and relief agencies has ensured quick response. However, officials warned that with more rain forecasted, the risks remain high.

Provincial Leadership Reacts

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grief over the tragedy. Both leaders extended condolences to grieving families and promised full government support.

Governor Kundi conveyed his sympathy through a message and prayed for the souls of the deceased. He also instructed the Red Crescent Society to step up relief operations and deliver essential supplies to affected households.

Chief Minister Gandapur directed immediate relief measures for the victims. He emphasized that authorities must provide top-quality medical care to the injured and ensure financial assistance for families who suffered losses. Gandapur assured the public that the provincial government would not abandon them in this crisis.

Power, Roads, and Daily Life Disrupted

The destruction extended beyond human lives. The storm damaged infrastructure, disrupted transportation, and left communities disconnected. Residents faced hours of blackout due to the power breakdown. Markets and businesses were forced to shut down, while blocked roads cut off access to some rural areas.

Emergency services are working to restore electricity and reopen roads. Still, many families remain stranded, and authorities have urged patience as restoration work continues.

A Province Under Pressure

The cumulative death toll of more than 400 this season highlights the intensity of the rain disaster in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The recurring storms have strained both rescue teams and healthcare facilities. With each new spell of rain, the risk of further destruction grows, making proactive measures essential.

Officials warned that vulnerable structures, particularly in rural areas, pose significant threats to human lives. The government has urged people to avoid unsafe houses, especially during heavy rainfall, and to immediately contact rescue teams in case of emergencies.

Standing Together in Crisis

Despite the devastation, the tragedy has revealed resilience among residents and authorities. Communities are rallying to support one another, while the administration works tirelessly to restore normalcy. Relief efforts are ongoing, and coordination among government, rescue teams, and volunteers continues to strengthen the response.

The rain disaster has once again exposed the urgent need for stronger infrastructure and better disaster management strategies. As families mourn their losses, the province faces the challenge of rebuilding lives, homes, and hope in the face of relentless natural calamities.