Rains in KP claim four lives, damage homes and crops

(Web Desk): Intermittent rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) over the past five days have caused four deaths and left nine people injured, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

A report released on Monday stated that the heavy rains led to accidents, resulting in the deaths of three men and one woman. Nine others, including four children and three women, were injured. The rainfall affected several districts, including Haripur, Battagram, Bajaur, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Dir, Hangu, Khyber, and Torghar.

The report also mentioned that 14 houses were damaged, with 10 partially destroyed and 3 completely demolished. The PDMA has directed local administrations to provide immediate relief to the affected families and ensure medical treatment for the injured. Authorities are also working to clear blocked highways caused by the rain and snowfall.

This wave of rain follows warnings from Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority about a strong westerly weather system expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall to the northern areas from February 24 to March 1.

The rains come after a lengthy drought that has already harmed key crops like wheat and potatoes, which are important for food security and the country's agriculture economy.