At least 25 people have lost their lives and 77 others have been injured due to recent heavy rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said an official report released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday.
The report states that the casualties occurred between March 25 and April 2 as a result of rain-related incidents across multiple districts. The fatalities include 18 children, 2 men and 5 women, highlighting the severe impact on vulnerable populations. Among the injured are 33 men, 9 women and 35 children.
Authorities reported that continuous rainfall caused roofs and walls of houses to collapse in several areas, leading to significant loss of life and property.
A total of 88 houses were damaged, of which 71 sustained partial damage while 17 were completely destroyed.
The affected districts include Bannu, Abbottabad, Kohat, Peshawar, Nowshera, Bajaur, Lakki Marwat, Kurram, Hangu, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Upper Dir, Battagram, North Waziristan and Tank.
Rescue and relief operations are currently underway, with PDMA, Rescue 1122, local administration and other relevant agencies working in coordination to assist affected communities.
The PDMA has warned that intermittent rain is expected to continue across the province upto April 4. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from vulnerable and tourist areas and strictly follow official safety advisories.
Separately, the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from today (Thursday) until April 4, raising concerns about flash floods in local streams and landslides in mountainous areas.
According to the department, strong winds, thunderstorms, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures such as electricity poles, billboards, solar panels and standing crops.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution during journeys.
Rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in the districts of Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
Meanwhile, Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Bajaur, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Upper and Lower Kohistan are likely to receive rain with thunderstorms.
In Kolai-Palas, Torghar, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Mohmand, Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera, rainfall with gusty winds and thunderstorms is expected, along with snowfall over high mountains.
The Meteorological Department also warned that some areas may experience heavy downpours and hailstorms during this period.
According to recent data, Dera Ismail Khan recorded 21 mm of rainfall, Parachinar 17 mm and Bannu 9 mm.
The highest temperature recorded was 30°C in Dera Ismail Khan, while the lowest was 4°C in Kalam.