24 killed in rain-related incidents in KP: PDMA
1. PDMA says monsoon spell has caused heavy downpours since July 29 in different areas of KP
At least 24 people have been killed and 17 others injured in various rain-related incidents in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the last three days, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday. The PDMA has warned of more rains in the coming days in the province.
Rescue and relief activities are ongoing, with the PDMA, district administrations, and rescue teams working together. The monsoon rains, which started on July 29, have caused significant damage, with 73 houses completely destroyed and 77 others partially damaged in Kohat, Peshawar, DI Khan, Hazara, and Malakand divisions. The heavy rains have also washed away houses, bridges, and roads.
The PDMA has issued an alert warning of a new spell of monsoon rains from today until August 6, predicting heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning in various districts, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Waziristan, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan. The authority has cautioned commuters about potential landslides in hilly areas, which may disrupt traffic.
The provincial administration has been directed to stay alert to handle any incidents resulting from dusty and gale-force winds, thunderstorms, and lightning. People are advised to avoid power pylons, dilapidated structures, buildings, and signboards. The PDMA has provided a helpline (1700) for reporting natural calamities and confirmed that its emergency operation centre is fully operational.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also predicted torrential monsoon rains across the country from August 1 to 6, with scattered heavy showers and isolated very heavy falls expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions. Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to remain partly cloudy, with rainfall activity from August 3 to 6.
In other news, Pakistan Railways has announced a reduction in ticket prices for all categories of passenger trains across the country, effective from August 3, to make train travel more affordable and accessible.
