At least 11 people, including three children, lost their lives and 47 others were injured as torrential rains and a windstorm battered Dera Ismail Khan and Lower Dir in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Of the 11 casualties, eight were reported in Dera Ismail Khan and three in Lower Dir, taking the cumulative rain-related death toll in the province to over 400. The windstorm, recorded at 100 km/h, caused severe destruction, collapsing roofs and walls in residential areas.
Dera Ismail Khan Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan released official figures on the damage and loss of life caused by the storm in the district.
According to the latest report, eight people died in the rainstorm — five from Dera Ismail Khan Tehsil and three from Paharpur Tehsil. Of the 47 injured, 41 are being treated at the District Headquarters Hospital and six at Mian Muhammad Teaching Hospital.
The condition of three injured individuals is critical, while 18 remain under observation. A total of 26 people with minor injuries have been discharged. No deaths or injuries have been reported from Kalachi, Darazandha, Parwa, and Daraban tehsils so far.
Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan, District Police Officer (DPO) Dera, and Assistant Commissioner Syed Arsalan visited hospitals, supervised rescue operations, and met with the injured. They coordinated with hospital administrations to ensure immediate medical assistance and facilities for the victims.
The district administration is closely monitoring the situation, and relief activities are underway. Rescue operations have been further intensified in the affected areas, and prompt medical assistance is being provided. Authorities have urged the public to take precautionary measures and immediately contact concerned officials in case of emergencies.
Strong winds uprooted trees, blocking roads and disrupting traffic. Solar panels installed on rooftops were dismantled and damaged, while the district plunged into darkness as power supply was disrupted due to the storm.
Meanwhile, in Maidan, Lower Dir, three children died when the roof of their house caved in during the heavy downpour.
According to Rescue 1122, disaster and medical teams reached the spot soon after receiving the information. The deceased children were identified as 10-year-old Qasim, 11-year-old Murtaza, and 9-year-old Sohail.
K-P CM, Governor express grief and sympathy
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed grief over the loss of life and property in the rain-related incidents.
In his message, Governor Kundi extended condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured and directed the district office of the Red Crescent Society to provide relief to the affected families.
Similarly, Chief Minister Gandapur expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.
He instructed the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to provide relief and assistance to the affected families and ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
Gandapur added that immediate measures should be taken to compensate victims’ losses and rehabilitate them, assuring that the provincial government will fully support the affected families and will not leave them alone in this difficult time.
