Pakistan: At least 19 dead as rain, storm devastation ravages K-P, Punjab

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Heavy rains and powerful storms have wreaked havoc in various areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, resulting in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

The calamitous weather conditions have caused at least 19 deaths and left more than 132 people injured in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa alone, while an additional 10 individuals sustained injuries in different regions of Punjab.

The district of Bannu in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa experienced particularly severe devastation, with storm and rain causing extensive damage. Shockingly, 106 people, including women and children, were injured in the area, and authorities fear that the number of casualties may rise further.

The unfortunate deaths and injuries occurred due to the collapse of walls, roofs, and trees. In response to the alarming situation, emergency measures have been implemented in all hospitals, as the majority of the victims are children.

Furthermore, heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have transformed streets and roads into makeshift ponds, exacerbating the overall destruction.

The electric supply has been disrupted, plunging many areas into darkness.

Tragically, in the Lakki Marwat region, five individuals, including three children and a woman, lost their lives due to collapsing walls caused by the relentless downpour. Another 26 injured victims have been transported to the Tehsil Hospital for urgent medical attention.

In Mingora city and the surrounding areas of Swat, rivers and canals have overflowed due to the heavy rain, compounding the already dire situation. Additionally, some regions witnessed hailstorms, further intensifying the destruction caused by the severe weather conditions.

In Punjab, several incidents caused by strong winds and rain resulted in injuries to 10 individuals across different cities.

The powerful winds uprooted numerous trees, adding to the chaos and destruction. Approximately 100 electricity feeders of GAPCO tripped due to the ongoing rain and gusty winds, leaving vast portions of the region in darkness.

Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Malkwal, Kharian, Dinga Hafizabad, Pindi Bhattian, Jalalpur Bhattian, Sukhiki, Jalalpur Jattan, Sialkot, and Wazirabad are among the areas severely affected by the tripped feeders.

In Gujranwala, torrential rain led to the injury of seven people in various accidents across the city. On Aymanabad road, the wind caused the shed of a steel factory to collapse onto workers, resulting in three injuries.

Moreover, incidents of roof collapses in Dhale and Gondanwala, including a scrap warehouse in Dhale, caused injuries to seven individuals. Three more people sustained injuries when the roof of their house gave way, and four were injured in a similar incident in Gondanwala village.

The local authorities, rescue services, and disaster management teams are working tirelessly to assist those affected by the catastrophic weather events. Efforts are underway to provide medical aid, restore electricity, and address the immediate needs of the affected population.