ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): At least 180 people have lost their lives in the last 24 hours, and several are missing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after a cloud-burst triggered flash floods wreaked havoc across the province.
During the rescue operation, a government MI-17 helicopter also crashed in the Changi Banda area in Mohmand district, killing five crew members, including two pilots, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said in a statement.
The helicopter, carrying relief supplies for the rain-affected areas of Bajaur’s Salarzai area, crashed due to bad weather, the KP govt statement said. KP CM said that another chopper is engaged in rescue operations in Buner.
Chief Minister Gandapur announced a day of mourning tomorrow, stating that the national flag will remain at half-mast in the province.
“The dead bodies of the martyrs will be buried with full state honors,” he said. “The helicopter crew sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others. These are our real heroes; their sacrifice will be written in golden letters in history.”
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the deaths included 152 men, 15 women, and 13 children. In Buner alone, Rescue 1122 officials said 120 bodies have been recovered so far.
District administration said that the true figure would only be known once floodwaters receded.
PTI Chairman and Buner MNA Barrister Gohar Khan said the death toll could rise in Buner as entire villages have been wiped out, roads are gone, and infrastructure is destroyed.
“Our focus is on search and rescue operations, but helicopters will be essential to reach several locations,” he said.
The KP government has declared a state of emergency in Buner, with hospitals placed on high alert.
In addition to that, the Pakistan Army has continued relief operations in flood-affected districts in Swat and Bajaur.
IGFC North’s helicopter is engaged in relief activities, with rations and other supplies being provided in the helicopter, security sources said. “The operation will continue until all the affected people are safely rescued and shifted to safe places.”
Peshawar Electricity Supply Company (PESCO) said that power supply has been crippled in Swat after floodwaters entered the 132KV grid station.
Sixteen poles supplying Malam Jabba were washed away, while numerous other poles and transformers were damaged across the district. PESCO has deployed additional staff on an emergency basis and established a control room to monitor the situation.
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