JAVED KHAN
PESHAWAR
The death toll due to heavy monsoon rainfall reached 56 as 13 more persons including nine children died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday.
According to a preliminary report released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) the torrential monsoon rains and flash floods have also left three others injured and damaged 19 houses, two completely and 17 partially.
The most affected districts include Swat, Buner, Bajaur, Torghar, Upper Kohistan, Mardan, Kurram, Haripur, Mansehra, Upper Chitral, Malakand, and Shangla.
The PDMA has issued a warning that the current spell of heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected to continue intermittently until July 25. Flash flood alerts have been issued for high-risk areas such as Swat, Dir, Chitral, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Battagram, Buner, and Malam Jabba. Kalpani Nallah in Mardan has been placed on special high alert, with district administrations instructed to monitor water levels, clean drainage systems, and ensure rescue teams are on standby.
PDMA officials stated that relief and rescue operations were ongoing in affected areas of the province and emergency restoration work was in progress on highways and access roads, particularly in tourist regions.
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, and Museums has activated a Flood Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and set up regional control rooms in Hazara and Malakand divisions, along with a Central Control Room in Peshawar.
“A 24/7 emergency helpline (1422) is available for tourists and locals, said the department.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed all departments to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safety of the public. “Rescue 1122 has set up emergency camps along rivers and streams and is actively conducting relief efforts,” he said.
He also instructed that timely weather updates be shared with the public, control rooms remain operational around the clock, and heavy machinery be deployed to clear landslide-blocked roads.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the national death toll from monsoon-related incidents has reached 234 since June 26, with 596 people injured, 826 houses damaged, and 203 livestock killed.
Of the total fatalities, 113 were children, 79 men, and 42 women. Punjab has recorded the highest number of deaths at 135, followed by 56 in KP, 24 in Sindh, and 16 in Balochistan.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir reported two deaths, while Islamabad recorded one child fatality. No loss of life has been reported from Gilgit-Baltistan so far.
