Six family members killed as roof collapses in Khyber district

PESHAWAR: Tragedy struck in the early hours of the Sunday morning in Khyber district as the roof of a decrepit house gave way, claiming the lives of six family members, including women and children.

The incident, which occurred in the remote area of Zakhakhel Bazaar, left the local community in mourning as rescuers worked tirelessly to recover the victims from the rubble.

Local authorities reported that continuous rainfall over the past three days had weakened the structure, ultimately leading to its collapse. Among the casualties were four children and two women, highlighting the devastating toll of the disaster.

At least 22 fatalities and 25 injuries have been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone as heavy rains persist for a second consecutive day.

In the wake of adverse weather conditions, life has come to a halt in various parts of the country. Heavy snowfall and rain have rendered many areas impassable, including significant thoroughfares such as the Karakoram Highway, exacerbating the plight of stranded travelers.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a warning of further heavy rainfall across the country, with heightened cold conditions gripping Karachi. From March 5 to March 7, regions including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and upper Punjab are expected to bear the brunt of the impending spell, accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorms.

PIA flights between Islamabad and Gilgit, Skardu have been canceled due to the inclement weather.

Elsewhere, havoc wreaked by rains extends to Gwadar and Kech districts of Makran, where numerous houses have collapsed, leaving families homeless. Noshki and Chagai districts in Balochistan have also been affected, with damaged and flooded roads severing connections between districts.

Trapped travelers, including families and patients, face uncertainty as landslides and road closures isolate regions. The GB Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) reported heavy rain and snowfall in upper areas of the region, leading to blockages along the Karakoram Highway and disruptions on Baltistan Road and Astore Valley Road.

Districts including Skardu, Ghizer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Nagar, Kharmang, Hunza, and Gilgit are now cut off, compounding the challenges faced by residents and authorities alike.

Despite ongoing efforts to restore connectivity, officials warn against travel until conditions improve, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting further precipitation until Sunday.