ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is closely monitoring the telecom situation in flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country. Flash floods have damaged several cellular and fixed-line sites, causing service disruptions.
PTA teams are on the ground, coordinating with federal/provincial authorities, district administrations, and telecom operators for swift restoration. In Buner, PTA held meetings with Honourable Minister Mr. Ameer Muqaam, Chairman PTI Mr. Gohar Khan, Deputy Commissioner Buner Mr. Kashif Qayum, and senior officials of PTCL and CMOs to review recovery efforts.
PTA, together with operators, is making all-out efforts to restore communication services at the earliest, recognising their vital role in rescue and relief operations.
Read also: Floods devastate government schools, data reveals massive damage
The recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have had a devastating impact on educational institutions. According to the latest report from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 61 schools have been destroyed, while 324 schools have suffered partial damage throughout the province.
The destroyed schools comprise 52 primary schools, 7 middle schools, and 2 high schools. Meanwhile, the partially affected institutions include 233 primary schools, 35 middle schools, 42 high schools, and 14 higher secondary schools.
The report indicates that the most severe damage occurred in Swat, where 91 schools were destroyed and 30 were partially affected. In Shangla, 11 schools were destroyed and 50 were partially damaged. Haripur saw 7 schools destroyed and 29 partially affected, while Lower Dir experienced the destruction of 17 schools. In Abbottabad, three schools were destroyed, and 67 were partially affected; in Buner, four schools were destroyed, and 14 were partially damaged; and in Battagram, nine schools were destroyed, and six were partially affected.
Tragically, the report also notes that 4 teaching staff members and 2 non-teaching staff members lost their lives, while 3 teaching staff members were injured. Additionally, there are reports of 2 student fatalities and 2 injuries among students.
