Peshawar: At least 22 people have lost their lives and 23 others have been injured in rain-related incidents and flash floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since July 19, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) informed on Thursday.
The ongoing monsoon spell has caused widespread damage across the province. The PDMA reported that the deceased include nine men, three women and ten children, while the injured comprise 11 men, five women and seven children.
The authority said 37 houses were damaged by heavy rains and flash floods, including 29 partially damaged and eight completely destroyed homes.
The affected districts include Peshawar, Nowshera, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Shangla, Swabi, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Tank, Torghar, Kurram and North and South Waziristan.
Rescue 1122, district administrations and relevant institutions remain on high alert and are continuing relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. Authorities have directed local administrations to ensure the prompt delivery of relief supplies and accelerate assistance for affected families.
According to officials, water levels in the province’s rivers and streams are currently within the normal range. However, intermittent rainfall is expected to continue and all district administrations have been instructed to remain vigilant.
The Director General of the PDMA has urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flood-prone and sensitive tourist areas and strictly follow official weather advisories and safety instructions.