Nine dead, one child injured as harsh weather hits KP

APP

Peshawar: At least nine people — including seven children — lost their lives and one child was injured in rain- and snowfall-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Saturday, highlighting the growing human toll of harsh winter weather in the province.

In a situation report covering losses since January 22, the PDMA said the fatalities resulted from avalanches, landslides and roof collapses triggered by heavy rain and snowfall. One man and one woman were also among those killed, while five houses suffered partial damage.

The incidents were reported from multiple districts, including Upper and Lower Chitral, Malakand, Shangla and Khyber, reflecting the widespread impact of the weather system across both mountainous and settled areas.

Authorities said that most highways closed due to snowfall have now been reopened for traffic following clearance operations. However, several roads in upper mountainous regions remain blocked, where heavy machinery is being deployed to restore access.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/roof-collapse-injures-five-as-snow-strands-dozens-in-kp/

Relief and rescue operations are underway, with the PDMA, Rescue 1122, district administrations and other relevant departments working in coordination to support affected families. The authority has directed all districts to ensure the swift distribution of relief goods.

According to the Director General PDMA, essential relief items — including tents, blankets, bedding, mattresses and kitchen sets — have already been dispatched to district administrations based on local requirements. The administration of Lower Chitral has also been instructed to provide immediate financial assistance to affected families.

Meanwhile, the PDMA warned that another spell of rain and snowfall is expected in upper districts from Monday night through Tuesday, intermittently. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from vulnerable tourist locations and strictly follow official weather advisories.

The PDMA’s Emergency Operations Centre remains fully operational. Citizens can report emergencies, obtain weather updates or seek assistance by calling the toll-free helpline 1700.