A preliminary report on the loss of life and property due to the recent rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been released, according to which 18 people have died so far in different districts while 72 have been injured.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the ongoing rains since March 25 have affected several areas of the province. According to the report, the dead include 14 children, one man and 3 women, while the injured include 32 men, 7 women and 33 children. According to the PDMA, 60 houses were damaged due to the rains, out of which 51 houses were partially collapsed while 9 were completely collapsed.
The report states that various accidents occurred in Bannu, Peshawar, Kohat, Nowshera, Bajaur, Kurram, Shangla and other districts, resulting in loss of life and property. According to officials, relief activities are underway in the affected areas and the district administration has been directed to provide immediate relief supplies to the victims.
In view of the increasing risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) due to climate change and heavy rainfall in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high-level alert. The PDMA has issued strict instructions to the administrations of the five most sensitive districts of the province, including Chitral Upper, Chitral Lower, Dir Upper, Swat and Kohistan Upper, for emergency measures and advance preparations.
According to the PDMA, there is a high possibility of glacier melting, flash floods and landslides in these areas due to the increase in temperature and recent heavy rainfall. To deal with this situation, the district administration has been directed to monitor sensitive glacial locations round the clock and keep the early warning systems fully operational.
The authorities have ordered the relevant agencies to immediately conduct evacuation drills in the affected areas to avoid loss of life in the event of any sudden disaster. Along with this, it has been emphasized to keep the evacuation centers at safe places equipped with all necessary facilities and functional.
The local population, especially those living in low-lying areas, has been directed to remain alert and aware of possible dangers. The PDMA has ordered the rescue and emergency services personnel to be on high alert and has directed that heavy machinery and necessary equipment be deployed in advance at sensitive locations to deal with the emergency situation so that immediate action can be taken in any emergency situation.
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