Charsadda, Mardan, Dir Among Hardest Hit Areas
PESHAWAR: At least 11 people lost their lives in various rain-related incidents across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) in the past 24 hours, as torrential monsoon downpours continue to wreak havoc in the region. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), five members of a single family perished when the roof of their home collapsed in Charsadda district on Friday night. The victims included a man, a woman, and three children.
In a separate incident in Dir Upper, one person was killed after being struck by lightning. Meanwhile, a devastating lightning strike in Rustam, Mardan ignited a fire in a building, tragically burning five individuals alive.
Heavy rainfall on Friday night also caused significant structural damage — one house was completely destroyed, while another was partially damaged.
Since the onset of the monsoon season on July 1, a total of 107 people have died, and 146 have been injured in various rain-related incidents across the province. Furthermore, 977 houses have been affected, including 262 completely destroyed by floods and rain.
In response, PDMA has directed district administrations to intensify relief operations in the hardest-hit areas. The authority has also provided financial aid and relief supplies to local administrations. Rescue and emergency teams, including PDMA and other relevant institutions, remain actively engaged in ongoing relief and rescue efforts. The PDMA Emergency Operation Center is fully operational, and the public can dial 1700 for updates, weather alerts, and emergency assistance.
Monsoon Plan 2024 in Effect to Mitigate Flood Risks
The recent disasters have put the spotlight on PDMA’s Monsoon Contingency Plan 2024, a comprehensive preparedness and response strategy designed to minimize disaster risks and safeguard lives and property.
Developed in collaboration with provincial and federal departments, humanitarian partners, and district administrations, the plan identifies 11 districts — including Charsadda, Peshawar, Swat, Nowshera, Dir Upper and Lower, DI Khan, and Tank — as high-risk flood zones. An additional 14 districts, including Malakand, Mardan, Abbottabad, and North Waziristan, are categorized as medium flood risk areas.
The plan adopts a multi-pronged flood management strategy, focusing on:
- Prevention: discouraging construction in flood-prone areas and promoting safer land use;
- Mitigation: implementing structural and non-structural flood control measures;
- Preparedness: raising public awareness and training communities for emergency responses;
- Emergency Response and Recovery: deploying rapid action teams and ensuring rehabilitation after disasters.
As heavy rains continue and more are forecasted in the coming days, authorities are urging citizens in vulnerable areas to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and report any emergencies promptly.
