Heavy rains, fierce winds trigger widespread destruction, collapsing homes, walls
BANNU:
A powerful dust storm accompanied by torrential rains and strong winds unleashed devastation across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Friday, leaving at least four people dead and 24 others injured.
The fierce 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 fatalities 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, 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.
Multiple houses, shops, and other properties were damaged across the district. Rescue teams rushed to the affected areas immediately after receiving emergency calls, pulling injured people from the rubble and shifting them to nearby hospitals for treatment.
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Bannu Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Fahim Khan visited the hospitals to enquire 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 have been placed on high alert.
Rescue 1122 officials said additional rescue teams and ambulances were deployed following a surge in emergency calls. Relief operations were continuing, and an assessment of the total damage was underway.
The district administration appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the inclement weather, stay away from dilapidated buildings and weak structures, and contact Rescue 1122 immediately in case of any emergency.
Meanwhile, K-P Health Secretary Shahid Khan also directed all government hospitals in Bannu to remain on high alert, instructing hospital administrations to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines and medical facilities for the injured and to keep ambulance services fully operational.
K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the human and financial losses and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
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In a statement, CM Afridi said that the provincial government would ensure that affected families received immediate relief and all possible assistance.
He directed Rescue 1122 and the district administration to accelerate emergency relief operations in the affected areas and ensure that injured individuals received the best possible medical care.
K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also directed relevant authorities and relief agencies to ensure prompt assistance, rehabilitation and relief for affected residents.
