LANDIKOTAL
The devastating torrential rain have unleashed flash floods in different parts of Khyber district on Saturday, causing widespread damages to infrastructure and disrupting normal life, residents said.
Jabir Khan said that flash floods washed away a number of buildings including houses, schools, mosques,railway track,community centres, shops and roads in Landikotal, Bazaar Zakhakhel, some areas of Jamrud and the Torkham border.
He said the gushing floodwaters swept through Pak-Afghan highway at various locations that caused traffic suspension for several hours. Long queues of loaded,empty trucks and passengers vans were seen near Ali Masjid locality waiting for the highway reopening.
Several houses,vehicles and standing crops were also affected, while link roads in remote areas were washed away, cutting off access for hundreds of families.
Residents said children have been unable to attend classes after water entered school buildings and damaged furniture and learning materials. Mosqyes in low-lying areas were also in fear of being collapse, forcing people to offer prayers in makeshift arrangements.
Meanwhile, provincial minister Adnan Qadri has sent relief goods to Bazaar Zakhakhel where tehsildar Taimur Afridi distributed among the affected families.
Locals complained that no timely relief or rescue response was seen in many of the worst-affected areas. They urged the government to dispatch emergency teams, provide clean drinking water, food supplies,medical assistance and take steps for the early restoration of roads and public facilities.
Elders of the affected communities warned that without immediate measures, the floods would not only disrupt students’ education but also cripple local businesses and agriculture in the coming weeks.
