Severe Storm in Bannu Leaves Over 20 Injured as Structures Collapse

BANNU: At least 20 people, including women and children, were injured when powerful winds and a severe storm swept across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Tuesday, causing roofs and walls of houses, shops and other buildings to collapse.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department had earlier issued an advisory warning of dust storms and thunderstorms in the northern regions of the country from June 2 to June 5.

Rescue 1122 Bannu reported multiple incidents of collapsing structures across the district as strong winds battered residential and commercial areas. Injured individuals who were trapped under debris were rescued promptly by emergency teams.

Rescue 1122 personnel immediately launched relief operations, evacuating victims from the sites and transporting them to District Headquarters Hospital Bannu for treatment. First aid was provided on‑scene before hospital transfer.

Officials said Rescue 1122 teams remained active throughout the emergency, responding to reports from various localities. Authorities continue to assess damage and gather information on additional casualties and affected families.

All emergency teams have been placed on high alert to address any further incidents caused by adverse weather. The rescue and relief efforts are being personally supervised by District Emergency Officer Bakhtullah Wazir, following directives from Director General Shah Fahad and Director of Operations South Arif Khattak.

Officials have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, stay clear of weak or dilapidated structures, and contact Rescue 1122 immediately in case of emergencies.

The storm caused widespread disruption throughout the district.

In March, torrential rain triggered building collapses in Bannu, resulting in eight deaths, including one woman and seven children, and 42 injuries, as reported by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.

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