The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been gripped by a wave of devastation, with reports of casualties, injuries, and extensive property damage emerging in recent days.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the past five days have witnessed a series of tragic accidents attributed to the ongoing rainfall, resulting in a staggering toll of 35 lives lost and 43 individuals sustaining injuries across various incidents.

The adverse weather conditions have wreaked havoc on residential areas, with 346 houses left partially destroyed and 46 completely ravaged by the relentless downpours. The aftermath of the rains has left countless families displaced and grappling with the loss of their dwellings. 

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Tragically, the adverse impact of the inclement weather extends beyond human casualties and property damage, with 76 cattle reported to have perished as a result of the heavy rains and subsequent snowfall in some areas. 

Furthermore, the PDMA has issued warnings of further rainfall expected to lash the province in the coming days, raising concerns over the exacerbation of the already dire situation.

In response to the crisis, relief efforts are underway, with authorities mobilizing to provide assistance to the affected populations. Relief goods have been distributed among the victims in various areas, including Charsadda, Lower and Upper Dir, Bajaur, Khyber Nowshera, and Peshawar, in an effort to alleviate their suffering and address their immediate needs.

As Khyber Pakhtunkhwa grapples with the aftermath of these devastating rains, the resilience, and solidarity of its communities are being put to the test. Efforts to mitigate the impact of the disaster and provide support to those affected remain paramount as the province navigates through these challenging times. 

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army, Navy, PDMA Balochistan and other organizations are conducting rescue and relief operations in Gwadar and said that 75% of the water accumulated in the city has been removed.

“Even now, the process of extracting water is going on. People have been shifted to safer places from the residential areas where water had accumulated,” PDMA spokesperson said. 

More rains, snow in Balochistan

The Met Department has forecast that a new spell of rains is entering Balochistan from tomorrow. Rain and snow are expected in north-west and south Balochistan from tomorrow evening till the day after tomorrow, it says. Furthermore, the Meteorological Department says rain may occur in Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, Chagai, Panjgur, Washuk, Dalbandin, Kharan and Gwadar.

Rain and snowfall are also expected in Islamabad, Potohar region, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.