Rain, thunderstorm claim 19 lives in KP and Punjab

Peshawar: In a devastating turn of events, heavy rains and thunderstorms on Saturday unleashed chaos in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab, resulting in the loss of 19 lives, including women and children.

The various regions experienced relentless rainfall, prompting city administrations to heighten their vigilance and preparedness for any emergency situations that may arise.

The district of Bannu in KP bore the brunt of the destructive forces of nature, as five individuals, including three children, tragically lost their lives when houses' walls and roofs collapsed. Numerous others sustained injuries during the calamity.

Meanwhile, Lakki Marwat witnessed the heartbreaking demise of two children and one woman due to the unrelenting downpour. In Karak, three children met a similar fate, their lifeless bodies recovered from the rubble.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, a thunderstorm claimed one life and left 15 individuals injured. The injured were swiftly transported to the district headquarters hospital, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency across all hospitals in the area.

The Director-General of Rescue 1122 affirmed that ongoing relief operations were being conducted in the affected regions, with immediate medical attention provided to the injured at nearby hospitals.

Simultaneously, the province of Punjab experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, impacting several districts, including Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad.

In Khushab district, Punjab, a tragic incident unfolded as three young girls lost their lives when a wall collapsed under the weight of the relentless downpour.

Additionally, in Gujranwala district, at least ten individuals sustained injuries in rain-related incidents, further adding to the toll of the calamity.

Muhammad Azam Khan, the caretaker KP Chief minister, expressed sorrow and grief over loss of the lives in the rain and thunderstorm. He also directed the authorities concerned for speedy rescue operation and assistance of the victims.