ISLAMABAD: Torrential rain and landslides have killed at least seven people in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, a senior rescue official said on Saturday.
The deaths resulted from landslides and roof collapse incidents in Peshawar, Nowshera, Shangla, Bannu and Bajaur districts, according to Rescue 1122 Director-General Dr. Khateer Ahmed.
“Four of the deceased were aged under 10 years,” Ahmed said in a statement, adding that another nine individuals sustained injuries in various incidents.
Heavy rain and thunderstorm hit parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces as well as the federal capital on Friday, with intermittent showers continuing for hours.
Partial damages to property were also reported in several districts across KP, according to Ahmed.
The official said all Rescue 1122 control rooms in the province were fully functional and people could call their helpline in case of any emergency.
In a statement, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed regret over the death of two children in a landslide in Shangla. He directed district administration to take necessary steps to provide immediate relief to the affected family.
“The provincial government stands with the affected family in this hour of grief,” Gandapur said in a statement. “They will not be left alone and will be provided all possible assistance.”
