Heavy rain, strong winds trigger widespread destruction, collapsing homes, walls
BANNED:
A heavy dust storm accompanied by torrential rain and strong winds wreaked havoc across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Friday, leaving at least four people dead and 24 others injured.
The violent weather caused roofs and boundary walls to collapse in several areas, burying residents under debris. Several head of cattle were also killed in the storm. According to Rescue 1122 and district administration officials, the deaths include Balqiaz Khan, son of Malik Nawaz, a resident of Mughal Khel Bharat. Three women from the same family in Jhando Khel also lost their lives: Islam Daraz, daughter of Gulzad Ali; Alshan, the wife of Shafidullah; and their daughter Tanzila.
The injured included Anas, Muhammad, Maqeerullah, Mubashir, Shah Zaman and several others from various localities including Wrishem Khel, Kot Brara, Zargar Mama Khel, Salam Gul Kala Mandan, Shah Deo, Nasri Bharot, Jhando Khel and Lucky Marwat.
Several houses, shops and other properties were damaged across the district. Rescue teams rushed to the affected areas immediately after receiving emergency calls, pulled injured people from the rubble and shifted them to nearby hospitals for treatment.
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Bannu Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Fahim Khan visited the hospitals to inquire about the condition of the injured and personally inspected the affected localities. In view of the situation, the district administration imposed an emergency in all government hospitals under the Medical Teaching Institution Bannu.
Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff are on high alert.
Rescue 1122 officials said additional rescue teams and ambulances were deployed following an increase in emergency calls. Relief operations continued and an assessment of the total damage was underway.
The district administration appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in the bad weather, stay away from dilapidated buildings and weak structures and contact Rescue 1122 immediately in case of an emergency.
Meanwhile, KP Health Minister Shahid Khan also directed all government hospitals in Bannu to remain on high alert and instructed hospital administrations to ensure uninterrupted supply of medicines and medical facilities to the injured and to keep ambulance services fully operational.
Taking notice of the human and economic losses, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.
Read also: Rain damage claims two lives in KP
In a statement, CM Afridi said the provincial government would ensure that affected families were given immediate relief and all possible help.
He directed Rescue 1122 and the district administration to expedite relief operations in the affected areas and ensure that injured persons were given the best possible medical attention.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also directed relevant authorities and relief organizations to ensure prompt assistance, rehabilitation and relief to affected residents.
