The second spell of monsoon rains has wreaked havoc across several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), claiming the lives of at least 10 people and leaving two others injured in the past 24 hours, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
The PDMA has warned of continued heavy rainfall in the province until July 25, along with a heightened risk of landslides and cloudbursts in the upper regions, particularly Upper Kohistan, Swat, Shangla, and Chitral. Authorities have placed all district administrations on high alert to deal with any emergencies.
Swat on high alert
In Swat, the local administration has declared a high alert after the PDMA issued a forecast predicting heavy rains and potential flooding. Deputy Commissioner Saleem Jan visited the banks of the Swat River to review emergency arrangements and directed all departments to stay fully mobilized.
"All relevant institutions are on the ground to ensure public safety," said Saleem Jan while speaking to Samaa TV. He also urged both tourists and locals to stay away from rivers and streams, especially in vulnerable areas like Madyan and Malam Jabba.
The district administration has announced compensation for the families of the deceased children from Madyan and Malam Jabba who lost their lives during the ongoing spell.
Emergency measures across KP
With a new wave of westerly winds hitting upper KP districts from July 21, the Tourism and Culture Department has issued directives to all relevant authorities. These include:
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Immediate cancellation of all approved and pending staff holidays
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Deployment of tourist police and activation of emergency helplines
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Orders for Rescue 1122 and local administrations to stay alert and fully equipped for rapid response
Meanwhile, tourists are being shifted to safer locations, and rescue teams are on standby as the region braces for further downpours and potential natural disasters.
