Flash Floods, Lightning Leave Two Dead in KP

News Desk

Peshawar: At least two children were killed and three others injured after lightning struck the Bara Zakakhel area of Khyber district as heavy rain, lightning and flash floods caused widespread damage across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

In a preliminary damage assessment released on Tuesday, the PDMA said the lightning incident claimed the lives of two children, while three injured children were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Heavy rainfall and cloudbursts triggered flash floods in Lower Chitral, damaging 27 houses, two mosques, two shops and a bridge. Four vehicles and several motorcycles were also swept away or damaged by floodwaters. Authorities said the overall losses are still being assessed.

In Upper Chitral’s Yarkhun and Mastuj areas, flash floods damaged a house, irrigation schemes and canals. However, no casualties were reported, and relief supplies have been distributed to affected families.

The PDMA said two roads that were blocked by flash floods in Lower Chitral have been reopened for traffic after restoration work.

Search and rescue operations are continuing in the affected areas, with teams from the PDMA, Rescue 1122 and other relevant agencies engaged in relief efforts.

The authority said its Emergency Operations Center remains fully operational and is in constant contact with district administrations to monitor the evolving situation.

The PDMA has urged the public to report any emergency or untoward incident through its helpline, 1700, and advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious during the ongoing spell of adverse weather.