Heavy rain and strong winds cause widespread destruction and the collapse of houses and walls.
BANNU:
A powerful dust storm accompanied by torrential rain and strong winds unleashed devastation across Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Friday, leaving at least four dead and 24 injured.
The bad weather caused roofs and boundary walls to collapse in several areas, burying residents under the rubble. Several cattle also died from the storm. According to Rescue 1122 and district administration officials, the victims include Balqiaz Khan, son of Malik Nawaz, a resident of Mughal Khel Bharat. Three women from the same family in Jhando Khel also lost their lives: Islam Daraz, daughter of Gulzad Ali; Alshan, wife of Shafidullah; and his daughter Tanzila.
Among the injured were Anas, Muhammad, Maqeerullah, Mubashir, Shah Zaman and several others from various localities including Wrishem Khel, Kot Brara, Zargar Mama Khel, Salam Gul Kala Mandan, Shah Deo, Nasri Bharot, Jhando Khel and Lucky Marwat.
Several houses, shops and other properties were damaged across the district. Rescuers rushed to the affected areas immediately after receiving emergency calls, pulled the injured from the rubble and transported them to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Read more: Rain and flash flood warnings issued as heat persists in parts
Bannu Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Fahim Khan visited hospitals to inquire about the condition of the injured and personally inspected the affected localities. In view of the situation, the district administration imposed an emergency in all government hospitals under Bannu Medical Teaching Institution.
Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff have been placed on high alert.
Rescue 1122 officials said additional rescue teams and ambulances were deployed following an increase in emergency calls. Relief operations were continuing and an assessment of the total damage was being carried out.
The district administration appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during inclement weather, stay away from dilapidated buildings and weak structures and immediately contact 1122 Rescue Service in case of any emergency.
Meanwhile, KP Health Secretary Shahid Khan also ordered all government hospitals in Bannu to remain on high alert, directing hospital administrations to ensure uninterrupted supply of medicines and medical facilities for the injured and to keep ambulance services fully operational.
Taking note of the human and financial losses, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Also read: Rain damage claims two lives in KP
In a statement, CM Afridi said the provincial government would ensure that the affected families receive immediate help and all possible assistance.
He directed Rescue 1122 and the district administration to expedite emergency relief operations in the affected areas and ensure that injured people receive the best possible medical care.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also directed relevant authorities and aid agencies to ensure prompt assistance, rehabilitation and relief to the affected residents.
