Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, June 30 — Heavy rains and floods have wreaked havoc in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing at least 22 people and injuring 11 since June 25, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
The dead include seven men, five women and ten children, while the injured include six men, four women and one child. The PDMA also reported that 75 houses were damaged in incidents related to rains, landslides and flash floods - 11 of which were completely destroyed.
Swat remains the worst-hit area with 14 confirmed deaths and six injured. The sudden rise in the Swat River swept away 18 people. 12 bodies have been recovered, search for the missing child is underway.
Rescue teams have been working continuously for four days in difficult conditions to find the missing child. Search operations are ongoing at various locations including Swat Bypass, Kanju, and Brikot.
Government response and accountability
Chief Minister’s Information Advisor Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif assured the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible for negligence. He admitted that the province has an air ambulance but it could not be deployed for rescue due to bad weather conditions and lack of proper equipment for such operations.
In view of the public outcry, three officials of the Swat district administration and one of the relief department have been suspended. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered a formal investigation and announced financial assistance to the families of the deceased.
Public Outcry and Demands for Reforms
Protests erupted in Swat, with civil society groups, political activists, and local residents gathering at Nishat Chowk in Mingora to condemn the delayed response by rescue services. Protesters demanded the introduction of a modern emergency response system, including helicopter rescue services and an early flood warning system.
Protesters also raised the alarm over riverside mining in Swat, blaming it for altering the natural flow of the Swat River, exacerbating flood risks, and contributing to environmental destruction.
PDMA on high alert
The PDMA has urged all district administrations to remain alert as heavy rains are expected to continue till July 1. Relief operations are underway, and the government has pledged full cooperation to the affected communities.
As the monsoon intensifies, residents are being advised to stay away from river banks and landslide-prone areas. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further loss of life.