Heavy rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has resulted in at least nine fatalities due to rain-related incidents. Lower and Upper Chitral districts have been declared under an emergency situation until August 15, following the devastation caused by landslides and flash flooding.
The rainfall has been intermittent, leading to significant damage and flash floods in Chitral, sweeping away bridges, roads, and livestock. The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts that several areas of the country will continue to experience rain until July 26.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of KP, nine people lost their lives in the past 24 hours, with two fatalities in Swat, two in Battagram, four in Mansehra, and one in Buner.
Additionally, seven individuals sustained injuries, including three in Swat, three in Battagram, and one in Mansehra. The rain has caused considerable damage to houses, with nine houses fully destroyed and 67 partially damaged.
In response to the urgent situation, the Relief, Rehabilitation, and Settlement Department issued a notification stating that the deputy commissioners of both districts requested the declaration of an emergency to facilitate immediate rescue and relief efforts.
Consequently, the provincial government declared a rain emergency in Lower and Upper Chitral with immediate effect, intending to provide relief, restore damaged communication networks, and ensure the supply of water until August 15.
KP Interim Chief Minister Mohammad Azam Khan has directed the relief department and district administration to remain on high alert. He emphasized the need for immediate relief and rescue activities and ensuring aid reaches the affected individuals.
The chief minister also urged moving affected people to safer locations and assured that the provincial government would extend every possible assistance to those affected by the rain-related incidents.
