Deadly downpour lashes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Torrential rains hit parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in Pakistan from Monday, March 22, 2021, resulting in severe material damages and at least two fatalities. About 48 homes were damaged or destroyed, while six people sustained injuries.

Downpours accompanied by strong winds started lashing parts of the province on Monday and continued into Tuesday, breaking the area's long dry spell. However, the severe weather also caused difficulties to residents, where rainwater flooded low-lying areas, blocking drains and disrupting communication systems.

At least two fatalities were reported— in Mardan, a young person was electrocuted after power lines were drenched with floodwater, while another person died in Lower Dir after a house collapsed.

A total of 10 houses were completely destroyed– six in North Waziristan, three in Upper Dir, and one in Mardan.

Material damages, including damage to buildings, also occurred in Charsadda, Khyber, Mohmand, Bajaur, Buner, Lower-Chitral, Malakand, Lower Dir, Shangla, Tank, Kurram, Swabi, and Hangu.

A total of 38 houses were damaged across the province, while six people were injured. 

"The bridge connecting Burrai Kama village on the main Bahrain-Kalam Road with Aryanai village across the Swat River was washed away early morning," stated social activist Mujahid Torwali.

"After the incident, the people living in Aryanai village and adjacent hamlets, including Shenail, Birlaam, and Kas Aryanai, were cut off from the rest of the country."

At least seven areas registered more than 40 mm (1.6 inches) in a 24-hour period to Tuesday, March 23. The highest rainfalls were seen in Dir with a total of 51 mm (2 inches) and in Malam Jabba with 65 mm (2.6 inches).

Julie Celestial

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