The Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway (M-1) has been temporarily closed for all heavy vehicles and local transport near the Anbar Interchange at Swabi.
According to the Motorway Police, the rain has caused severe slippage near the Katti Hill, due to which this measure has been taken as a precaution to avoid any accident. Travellers are facing severe difficulties due to the closure of the motorway, while the police have appealed to citizens to take alternative routes and be aware of the situation before travelling.
On the other hand, a detailed report on the loss of life and property due to the ongoing heavy rains and flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been released. According to the PDMA (Provincial Disaster Management Authority), 323 people have died so far due to various accidents in the recent weather conditions, including 273 men, 29 women and 21 children. 156 people were injured, including 123 men, 23 women and 10 children. According to the report, 336 houses were damaged, of which 106 houses were destroyed, while 230 were partially damaged.
According to the PDMA report, the highest loss of life has occurred in Buner district, where 209 deaths have been recorded. Other affected districts include Swat, Bajaur, Torghar, Mansehra, Shangla and Battagram.
The Meteorological Department has warned that more heavy rains are likely to continue in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from August 17 to 21. Given this threat, on the special instructions of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the PDMA has provided relief goods consisting of 89 trucks to the affected districts.
Funds of Rs 800 million have been released to the affected districts. A separate relief amount of Rs 500 million has been released to the Buner district alone. The goods provided include tents, beds, mats, mosquito nets, tarpaulins, kitchen sets, and generators.
The authorities have appealed to the public to stay away from rivers and mountainous areas, avoid unnecessary travel, and in any emergency, immediately contact the rescue or district administration.
Read also: KP braces for more rain as Met Office issues weather alert
