Child killed, four injured in roof collapse incidents as rain batters KP

Child killed, four injured in roof collapse incidents as rain batters KP

PESHAWAR: With rain lashing large parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a child was killed and four people injured in separate roof collapse incidents in Mardan district on Tuesday. Rescue 1122 said that a seven-year-old boy was killed in the Katlang area as the roof of one room in his house caved in due to heavy rain. His mother and a minor sister were injured in the incident. Also, two women were injured in a similar incident in the Bala Ghari area. They were rushed to the Mardan Medical Complex. The provincial capital, which, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, received the heaviest rainfall in the province (38mm) during the day, witnessed inundation of major arteries. Hailstorm destroys standing crops, solar power systems Some areas of Peshawar, including Assembly Chowk, University Road, Saddar Road, Nasi Bagh and parts of Hayatabad, were inundated after the downpour, which led to traffic jams. In a statement, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) said that 83 of its feeders, including 19 in Peshawar, 13 in Khyber, nine in Swabi and 29 in Mardan, tripped due to heavy rain. In Nowshera district, seven people, including three women, who were stranded in heavy rain, were rescued. In Mohmand tribal district, a hailstorm accompanied by strong winds and rain lashed Pandiali tehsil and adjoining areas, destroying standing crops and solar power systems to the misery of small-time farmers. Residents said the weather turned violent early in the day when a rain coupled with an intense hailstorm battered the area, leaving a trail of destruction. The hailstorm destroyed standing crops of tomato, coriander and chilli. Farmers said they had cultivated the crops by borrowing money but their months-long hard work was ruined in minutes. Also, solar panels installed on rooftops of houses and on agricultural tube-wells were smashed by hailstones. The damage not only plunged several houses into darkness but also disrupted water supply to the fields. Orchard owners also reported heavy losses to fruit trees and seasonal vegetables. The affected growers estimated their losses in millions of rupees. The affected farmers urged the deputy commissioner and the provincial government to conduct an emergency survey of the affected areas and announce a compensation package for them. Also, heavy rainfall disrupted the drainage system in Charsadda, with rainwater entering roads, houses and government schools in different areas. The Government Boys Primary School in Miankalai Prang, MC-II, was among the affected educational institutions where rainwater accumulated inside the premises. The building of another government primary school in Miankalai Prang was also hit by the heavy rain. Residents said the school buildings were already in poor condition and the accumulation of rainwater had added to the difficulties faced by students and teachers. They demanded immediate action by authorities to drain the water and address the longstanding drainage problem. Several roads and routes, including areas around Farooq Azam Chowk, were also inundated as the drainage system was severely affected by the downpour. Rainwater entered several houses in low-lying areas, causing inconvenience to residents. A hailstorm was also reported in parts of the district, with growers complaining about damage to crops and losses. Teams of Rescue 1122 took part in relief operations and helped drain rainwater from affected areas. Residents called for a permanent solution to the drainage problem instead of temporary measures during heavy rainfall. Residents of Miankalai Prang also criticised the local MPA, saying their problems have remained unresolved for a long time despite repeated complaints. They called for immediate attention to the condition of the schools and drainage system. The residents gave authorities a 24-hour ultimatum to resolve the issues, warning that they would otherwise consider launching a protest. They complained that the latest spell of rain had exposed weaknesses in the drainage infrastructure in several parts of Charsadda. The residents demanded immediate corrective measures. Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2026