Heavy monsoon rains triggered devastating flash floods in Landi Kotal tehsil of Khyber District claiming the lives of six passengers after a wagon was swept away by a powerful flood torrent.
According to rescue officials on Monday, the bodies of the six victims were recovered through a joint operation conducted by Rescue 1122 teams and local volunteers.
Rescue officials said the bodies of two men and a woman were recovered from the Jabba Khwar area in Jamrud, while the body of a child was found near Parang Sang with the help of rescue divers and local residents. One victim’s body had been recovered earlier.
In a separate incident in the Sadokhel area of Landi Kotal, the bodies of two young men who had also been swept away by floodwaters were recovered.
Authorities confirmed that nine people were also injured in the flooding and received medical assistance. Rescue and relief operations remain ongoing as officials continue to assess the damage caused by the heavy rains.
Rescue authorities said the flash floods caused widespread damage in several parts of Landi Kotal following intense rainfall.
It urged the public to avoid crossing streams, flood channels and other fast-flowing watercourses during the monsoon season and to strictly follow weather advisories to prevent further tragedies.
Separately, flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains damaged bridges, homes and businesses in Kaghan and Siran valleys of Mansehra district on Monday, while authorities intensified emergency response measures amid forecasts of more rain across Hazara Division this week.
The flood washed away four temporary wooden bridges and caused water to accumulate behind a concrete causeway, raising fears of flooding in nearby low-lying residential areas.
The district administration immediately mobilized Rescue 1122, the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA), revenue officials and other relevant departments. An early warning system was activated, while announcements through local mosques urged residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer locations.
At least two young children lost their lives and two others were seriously injured after lightning struck a house during heavy rain in Irfan Nagar, Rustam tehsil of Mardan district on Monday.
According to Rescue 1122, the lightning strike caused the roof of the house to collapse, trapping the family under the debris. Rescue teams responded promptly, retrieved the victims and provided first aid at the scene.
Rescue workers said two of the children were recovered dead while the injured, including the children’s mother and their 14-year-old sister, were shifted to Mardan Medical Complex (MMC) for treatment.
The deceased children were identified as 2-year-old Muhammad Hussain and 1-year-old Zunaira.
The tragic incident has left the residents of Irfan Nagar and surrounding areas in mourning.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast strong winds, thunderstorms and intermittent monsoon rains across Mansehra and other upper parts of Hazara Division from July 21 to 26. Intermittent rainfall continues in Kaghan, Siran and the upper Konsh Valley, resulting in increased water levels in seasonal streams and the Kunhar River.
Minister for Information, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shafi Jan, on Monday announced a province-wide monsoon alert, warning of heavy rainfall and the risk of flash floods in several districts.