Flash floods sweep away 40 in Battagram, 10 bodies recovered

PESHAWAR:  Flash floods and lightning wreaked havoc in Battagram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sweeping away at least 30 to 40 people, according to rescue officials.  

In Union Council Shamlai, six to eight houses were completely destroyed, while 30 to 40 people were washed away. So far, 10 bodies have been recovered.

Rescue officials said the remote location is hampering relief efforts, while locals have urged the government to launch immediate rescue operations.

Search continues for 18 more missing persons. Lightning strikes also destroyed five houses in the area.

Rain, landslides wreak havoc: 22 killed in KP, AJK

In Bajaur district, landslides and a cloudburst have raised the death toll to 12, including five children, while four people have been injured. Seventeen others remain missing, with search and rescue operations under way. Several houses have collapsed in the incident.

Heavy rains in various parts of Swat have caused flash floods in streams and rivers. In Mingora, Hazara Powar, Shor and other areas, rainwater has entered homes, while several vehicles have been swept away.

HELICOPTER DISPATCHED FOR RESCUE

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has dispatched a helicopter to Bajaur for relief operations. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has directed that all available resources be used for rescue work in Bajaur.

He also ordered the Malakand commissioner and Bajaur deputy commissioner to personally supervise the operation.

The chief minister instructed all district administrations, especially in Dir and Swat, to remain on high alert and ensure full preparedness in view of rains and prevailing weather conditions in affected districts.