Rain havoc kills 26 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

At least 26 people, including 18 children, have been killed and 77 others injured in rain-related incidents across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa since March 25, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported on Friday. The fatalities occurred when roofs and walls of houses collapsed due to heavy downpours that have battered several parts of the province. Among the deceased were 18 children, three men and five women. The injured include 33 men, nine women and 35 children, according to the PDMA's latest update. The authority said a total of 102 houses have been damaged so far. Of these, 82 suffered partial damage while 20 were completely destroyed. The incidents were reported from various districts including Bannu, Abbottabad, Kohat, Peshawar, Nowshera, Bajaur, Lakki Marwat, Kurram, Hangu, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Upper Dir, Battagram, North Waziristan and Tank. Bannu district has been identified as one of the worst affected areas. The Director General of PDMA has issued special instructions to the district administration there to ensure immediate assistance to the families of the deceased. PDMA, Rescue 1122, district administrations and other line departments are maintaining close coordination to carry out rescue and relief operations. The authority has directed all concerned district administrations to speed up relief activities and provide immediate support, including food, tents and other essential items, to the affected families. "District administrations must accelerate relief efforts and ensure prompt assistance reaches every affected household without delay," the DG PDMA emphasised. Intermittent rainfall continues in different parts of the province. The PDMA has forecast that a fresh spell of rains is likely to persist from April 1 to April 4, raising concerns of further damage in vulnerable areas. The Director General appealed to the general public to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to hilly and tourist destinations that are prone to landslides and flooding. Citizens have been urged to strictly follow all weather alerts and advisories issued by the government. The PDMA's Emergency Operations Centre is functioning round the clock. People can contact the free helpline 1700 for any emergency, real-time weather updates or to report untoward incidents. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as relief work continues in the affected districts. Officials have assured that every possible step is being taken to mitigate the impact of the ongoing wet spell and to support the affected communities.