47 Dead, 117 Injured as Rains Batter KP

News Desk 

Peshawar: At least 47 people have lost their lives and 117 others have been injured in rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since March 25, as authorities issued flood warnings and stepped up emergency preparedness amid forecasts of more downpours.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 21 deaths and 40 injuries were reported in the past four days alone, mainly due to collapsing roofs and walls.

Among the deceased, 27 were children, 13 men and 7 women, while the injured included 45 men, 21 women and 51 children—underscoring the heavy toll on vulnerable groups.

The ongoing rains have also caused widespread property damage, with 652 houses affected, including 554 partially damaged and 98 completely destroyed structures.

Multiple districts have been hit, including Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Swat, Mansehra, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan, among others.

Flood Threat Looms Over Peshawar Valley

Authorities have issued a high alert after rising water levels triggered a flood threat in Peshawar and surrounding areas. Data from Google Flood Hub indicates rapidly increasing water flow in central and low-lying parts of the city, raising fears of imminent flooding.

Nearby districts such as Nowshera and Mardan have also been declared highly sensitive, while floodwaters from cross-border regions, including Jalalabad and Nuristan, are adding pressure to river systems in the region.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/karachi-braces-for-renewed-rain-spell-as-fresh-system-approaches/

The Kabul River at Nowshera is expected to experience low to medium-level flooding, with possible surges in tributaries and seasonal streams.

Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to move to safer locations, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded roads, while advising the public to contact emergency services such as Rescue 1122 in case of need.

More Rain Forecast

PDMA, along with Rescue 1122 and district administrations, is actively engaged in relief operations. Emergency assistance and relief goods have been dispatched to affected areas, and local officials have been directed to accelerate rescue efforts.

The PDMA Emergency Operations Center remains fully operational, with a toll-free helpline (1700) available for citizens seeking assistance or updates.

Officials have warned of another spell of rain from April 6 to 9, heightening concerns of further damage and complicating ongoing rescue operations.

Govt Activates Contingency Plan

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said a comprehensive contingency plan has been finalized ahead of the monsoon season, with all relevant departments placed on high alert.

He noted that preparations had been underway since January to ensure a timely response to emergencies, adding that while natural disasters cannot be predicted with certainty, the government is making all-out efforts to safeguard lives and property.

Authorities said the plan is already being implemented to ensure immediate relief and minimize losses as the province braces for further rainfall.