Devastation in Pakistan’s Northwest
Eight people, including children, lost their lives in northern Pakistan due to heavy rains, with 12 others sustaining injuries. The downpours in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province resulted in the collapse of rooms, trapping and crushing individuals inside. Anwar Shahzad, a spokesperson for the local disaster management authority, revealed that among the deceased were three siblings aged between 3 and 7 years old, all from the same family. The tragic incidents unfolded over the past 24 hours, emphasizing the devastating consequences of the delayed winter rains in the region.
Widespread Damage in Afghanistan
The impact of heavy rainfall extended beyond Pakistan, affecting neighboring Afghanistan. The recent downpours on March 29 and 30 led to the destruction of over 1,500 acres of agricultural land and severe damage to numerous homes, bridges, and roads across seven provinces. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted the dire situation in northern Faryab, eastern Nangarhar, and central Daikundi as the most heavily impacted regions. The recurring floods have already claimed lives, with hundreds of families facing the brunt of the harsh weather conditions.
As regions grapple with the aftermath of these natural disasters, both Pakistan and Afghanistan are in urgent need of support and relief efforts to mitigate further casualties and address the widespread destruction caused by the relentless heavy rains.