Torrential rains kill 17, destroy homes
Eleven bodies recovered from the debris of houses
Torrential monsoon rains and mudslides hit areas in northwestern Pakistan early yesterday, destroying homes and killing at least 17 people, police said.
Officer Mohammad Nawaz said eleven bodies were recovered from the debris of mud and brick houses in the Tor Ghar district, and rescuers were searching for the remaining victims, which included women and children.
Nawaz said three adjacent homes were completely swept away in remote village of the district, while other houses were less affected. Authorities in the city of Abbottabad said a mudslide in the suburbs also killed a couple and their child, and injured three others. According to officials of the Rescue 1122 the roof of a house collapsed due to a landslide in Payjo village near Kokol, Abbottabad.
The country’s disaster management authorities said they were dispatching relief aid to the affected area but mudslides in mountainous areas were delaying delivery. Efforts were underway to clear the roads. Monsoon season lasts until mid-September in Pakistan, and similar incidents are not uncommon.
Authorities in Abbottabad said a mudslide in the suburbs also killed a couple and their child, and injured 3 others. Three homes were also swept away in remote village of Tor Ghar.
14 killed in lightning strike
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan directed rescue agencies and district administration to reach the affected area immediately and started emergency relief operations in District Torghar area where lightning killed 14 persons. In a condolence message issued yesterday, Khan, also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of 14 precious human lives in the incident. The Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the affected families.
Two ambulances of Rescue 1122 Abbottabad along with medical technician, rescue vehicle and recovery vehicle along with rescue and disaster team reached the affected areas and started relief operations.