PESHAWAR: At least seven people were killed and 19 others injured in rain-related incidents triggered by heavy downpours, strong winds and flash floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 48 hours, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
The PDMA said the deceased included two men, one woman and four children, while the injured comprised seven men, one woman and 11 children.
The authority reported that 38 houses were damaged during the severe weather, including 36 partially damaged and two completely destroyed homes.
According to the PDMA, the incidents occurred in several districts, including Khyber District, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Mardan, Shangla District, Bajaur District, and Lower Chitral District.
The authority said the PDMA, Rescue 1122, district administrations and other relevant agencies are carrying out relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.
Local administrations have also been directed to expedite relief efforts and ensure the prompt delivery of emergency assistance to affected families.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rain, windstorms and isolated hailstorms are expected to continue across parts of the province through July 3.
The department cautioned that the adverse weather could damage weak structures, solar panels, electricity poles and billboards, while landslides in mountainous areas and flash flooding in local streams and nullahs remain a significant risk.
Rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is forecast for several districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Buner, Bajaur, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Nowshera, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, North Waziristan and South Waziristan.
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The PDMA has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from vulnerable tourist destinations and follow official weather advisories. It said emergency assistance and information are available through its 1700 helpline.
