28 Dead, Over 140 Injured as Deadly Storm Ravages Northwest Pakistan

Peshawar: Heavy rains and strong winds wreaked havoc in northwest Pakistan resulting in the unfortunate loss of lives of at least 28 individuals, including 8 children, according to officials on Sunday.

The spokesperson for the provincial disaster management authority, Taimur Ali Khan, informed that 12 people were tragically buried alive when the roofs and walls of their homes collapsed.

These devastating storms struck four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late on Saturday, with Bannu district suffering the most significant impact, leading to the loss of 15 lives. Among the deceased were five young siblings aged between two and 11.

Additionally, more than 140 individuals sustained injuries, while over 200 livestock perished as a result of the disaster.

As a response to this tragic event, authorities promptly declared an emergency across all four affected districts.

This natural disaster follows the previous year’s unprecedented monsoon rains in Pakistan, which caused extensive flooding and claimed the lives of over 1,700 individuals, damaging millions of homes in the process.

Meanwhile, in the southern region of the country, authorities have issued a warning regarding an approaching cyclone from the Arabian Sea that poses a potential threat to both Pakistan and India.

The provincial disaster management authority in Sindh province released a statement cautioning the public about the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall and winds reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour later this week.

As a precautionary measure, fishermen have been advised to refrain from venturing into the open sea until the system subsides, which is anticipated to occur by June 17.