Rain-related fatalities during ongoing monsoon spell rise to 18 in KP

In Lower South Waziristan, the death toll from rain‑related incidents and flash floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has risen to 18.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department says the present monsoon spell, which began on July 19, is expected to continue through July 23 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The most recent rain‑related fatalities were reported from Upper South Waziristan, where four people died in a roof collapse, Additional Deputy Commissioner Fazal Wadood told Dawn.

He said the collapse occurred in Bangiwala village on the outskirts of Sararogha tehsil during heavy rainfall.

The victims were a family — a husband, wife, son and daughter.

The authority’s report indicates that 14 people have died and 19 have been injured in rain‑related incidents across the province since July 19, though it does not include the South Waziristan deaths, which bring the total fatalities between July 19 and July 22 to 18.

The report states that 22 houses were partially damaged and six were completely destroyed by the rain.

The PDMA said that river and stream water levels and flows throughout the province are currently normal, and all district administrations have been instructed to stay on alert.

Residents can call the 1700 helpline for weather information or to report any adverse incident.

Landslides Halt Wana‑Gomal Zam Road

Heavy rains have disrupted daily life in Lower South Waziristan, causing landslides that block the Wana‑Gomal Zam Road — a vital trade and communication artery in the region. Flash floods have also damaged agricultural land in multiple locations.

A district administration official confirmed the road blockage to Dawn.

Residents and commuters told Dawn that large boulders fell from mountains at several points along the road, and deep potholes formed in various locations. They reported that culverts, bridges and protective walls were also damaged, making travel hazardous for motorists.

They urged authorities to act swiftly to reopen the road and restore traffic flow.

Meanwhile, Ahmadzai Wazir tribal elders residing in the region, while speaking to Dawn, urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other relevant authorities to take immediate measures for the reconstruction of the Wana‑Gomal Zam Road.

The elders said the road has been in disrepair for a long time and is frequently closed even after moderate rainfall due to its poor condition.

In another development, flash floods were reported in several areas of Lower South Waziristan. District administration officials told Dawn that high flows were observed in the Tanai and Spin streams after the rainfall.

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