Peshawar – Recent heavy rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has resulted in tragic losses and widespread devastation. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) the toll includes 32 fatalities and 41 injuries, with a staggering 1370 houses damaged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone.
The casualties, as reported by the PDMA, comprise 15 children, 12 men, and 5 women among the deceased, while the injured count includes 6 women, 28 men, and 7 children. The collapse of walls and roofs accounted for the majority of the damages, leaving 160 houses completely destroyed and 1210 partially damaged.
Affected areas such as Chitral, Lower Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Shangla, Manshera, Mohmand, and Malakand are grappling with the aftermath of these disasters. In response, the PDMA has allocated 50 million rupees for immediate financial assistance to the families of the deceased.
Meanwhile, Balochistan is also reeling from the impact of torrential rains, with flooding wreaking havoc in regions like Panjgur, Pasni, Hernai, and Chagai. The situation is dire, with numerous homes and shops submerged underwater due to breached protective dams.
The meteorological department has issued alerts for further rainfall across the country, with Karachi also on high alert for potential flash floods. These alarming weather patterns underscore the growing impact of climate change, not only in Pakistan but also in neighboring Gulf states like the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain, where similar unexpected and destructive weather systems are being witnessed.