Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDI KOTAL
At least four people were killed and several others injured in multiple rain and flash flood-related incidents in different areas of tehsil Landikotal of Khyber district on Saturday, sources said.
According to local sources, torrential rains triggered flash floods in seasonal streams, sweeping away vehicles and damaging homes in different localities. Several cars were washed away after being caught in strong currents of floodwater.
In a first tragic incident on the Pak-Afghan highway, a car was swept away by a powerful flood. Three people on board went missing. Rescue efforts were launched immediately and after the hours long hectic effortd the bodies were recovered.
The victims were reported to be residents of Nekikhel and Zakhakhel areas of Khyber district. Local sources said rising water levels in streams due to continuous rains have increased the risk of such incidents.
Dozens of houses were partially or completely damaged, especially mud-built structures, while a large number of rooms collapsed due to continuous rainfall. Residents in low-lying areas suffered the most as floodwater entered homes, causing heavy losses.
In Bazaar Zakhakhel, a house roof collapsed during the days long rain, resulting a boy lost life while others among guests present inside also injured.
Rescue teams and local volunteers rushed to the affected areas and shifted the injured to nearby health facilities. Search and relief operations were carried out to ensure no one remained trapped under debris.
Livestock losses were also reported, with several animals killed after a house roof collapsed in Bazar Zakhakhel area of Landikotal.
Residents in Kam Shalman,Loey Shalman,Landikotal and Bazaar Zakhakhel also confirmed that their standing crops were also washed away in flash floods.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel near streams and flood-prone areas, warning that further rainfall could worsen the situation.
