Severe windstorms and torrential rains wreaked havoc across multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) late Saturday night, leaving behind a trail of devastation. According to official reports, at least 12 people, including women and children, lost their lives, while more than 50 others were injured in different accidents caused by the storm. The destruction extended from Dera Ismail Khan and South Waziristan to Lower Dir, Mardan, and Lakki Marwat, plunging the affected regions into chaos.
Nature’s Wrath: Winds Exceeding 100 Kilometers per Hour
Meteorological experts from the Dera Ismail Khan Meteorological Department confirmed that wind speeds reached up to 100 kilometers per hour. This extraordinary velocity proved catastrophic, uprooting massive trees, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting daily life.
The storm hit the region with such force that solar panels fixed on rooftops were torn away, while trees and billboards collapsed onto major roads. The intensity of the winds caused widespread fear among residents, many of whom were forced to stay indoors overnight to avoid exposure to flying debris.
Electricity Infrastructure Collapses
The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) reported widespread damage to the power transmission network. The storm knocked down multiple electricity poles and damaged transmission lines, resulting in a complete suspension of power supply to Tank, South Waziristan, Kalachi, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Thousands of households plunged into darkness as residents struggled without electricity during the night, compounding the crisis. Power restoration teams were dispatched, but officials warned that repair work may take several days due to the extensive damage.
Casualties and Incidents Reported Across KP
Dera Ismail Khan: The Epicenter of Destruction
The district of Dera Ismail Khan bore the brunt of the storm. At least eight people, including women and children, were killed, while dozens sustained injuries in multiple incidents. Rescue 1122 teams reported that most casualties occurred due to collapsing walls, falling trees, and roofs caving in under heavy rains.
Lower Dir: Roof Collapse Kills Three Children
In a particularly heartbreaking incident, three young children were killed when the roof of a house collapsed in Maidan Tikatak, Lower Dir. The victims were identified as:
- Qasim, 10 years old
- Murtaza, 11 years old
- Sohail, 9 years old
The Rescue 1122 spokesperson confirmed that their disaster and medical response team rushed to the site after receiving distress calls. Despite their swift response, the children could not be saved, highlighting the vulnerability of mud and weak structures during extreme weather events.
Mardan: Fatal Roof Collapse
In Mardan, one person lost his life and two others sustained injuries when the roof of a room collapsed. Rescue teams quickly transported the injured to THQ Hospital, where they received emergency treatment. Local residents expressed fear about the condition of poorly constructed houses that often cannot withstand heavy downpours.
Lakki Marwat: Flooded Houses and Collapsed Walls
Several areas of Lakki Marwat were inundated after heavy rains caused water to seep into homes. In Sarai Naurang, the walls of two houses collapsed, trapping residents inside. Fortunately, 10 people were rescued alive by the Rescue 1122 teams.
Reports of more walls collapsing came in from other localities in Lakki Marwat, with many solar panels destroyed in the storm. Authorities warned of further risks if heavy rains continued in the coming days.
Rescue Operations: A Race Against Time
The District Emergency Officer of Rescue 1122 Dera Ismail Khan, Engineer Fasihullah, confirmed that as soon as the storm hit, rescue teams were deployed across the affected regions.
- Teams worked throughout the night, providing first aid and medical treatment to the injured before shifting them to nearby hospitals.
- Heavy debris from fallen trees and collapsed walls was cleared from key roads to restore traffic flow.
- Emergency hotlines remained active, and additional ambulances were dispatched to areas where casualties were reported.
Rescue 1122 officials praised the high morale of their teams, noting that their rapid response helped save many lives that could have otherwise been lost.
Government and Public Response
Following the disaster, civil and provincial authorities began assessing the full extent of damage. District administrations issued warnings to residents living in vulnerable mud houses and flood-prone areas. Emergency shelters were prepared to house families who had lost their homes due to wall and roof collapses.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also coordinated with Rescue 1122 and PESCO to accelerate relief measures. Food supplies, tents, and blankets were promised to the most affected households.
Local community leaders called on the government to strengthen infrastructure, particularly in rural districts where houses made of clay and unreinforced materials remain at high risk of collapse during extreme weather.
Climate Change and Rising Storm Intensity
Meteorologists and climate experts have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Pakistan. Storms like the one that struck KP are no longer isolated events but part of a growing pattern of natural disasters fueled by shifting weather dynamics.
- Pakistan ranks among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.
- Unpredictable weather, flash floods, and violent storms have been increasingly reported in KP, Sindh, and Balochistan over the past decade.
- Poor housing conditions and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the human toll of such disasters.
Experts urge the government to invest in resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems, and climate adaptation strategies to minimize the devastating impact of storms.
Eyewitness Accounts: Stories of Survival
Residents of Dera Ismail Khan described the storm as “the most violent in recent memory.” Eyewitnesses recalled how the winds shook their houses and how people clung to each other in fear.
One survivor, a resident of Sarai Naurang, said:
“The walls started shaking, and we thought the house would collapse. Water rushed inside, and we screamed for help. Rescue teams came just in time to save us.”
Another eyewitness in Lower Dir, who lost his three nephews, described the moment the roof fell:
“We tried to pull the children out with our hands, but the rubble was too heavy. By the time rescuers arrived, it was too late.”
Way Forward: Lessons for Disaster Preparedness
The deadly storm in KP once again highlights the urgent need for disaster preparedness in Pakistan. Key lessons include:
- Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Residents need more effective alerts to prepare before storms strike.
- Building Climate-Resilient Housing: Traditional mud houses and weak structures must be replaced with safer construction.
- Improving Power Grid Resilience: The electricity system needs upgrades to withstand high winds and heavy rains.
- Community-Based Preparedness: Training local communities in first aid and emergency evacuation can save lives during disasters.
- Government Investment in Infrastructure: Roads, drainage systems, and flood protection walls must be modernized in vulnerable districts.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of 12 lives and injuries to more than 50 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa serves as a painful reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters. While Rescue 1122’s swift operations and community resilience played a key role in minimizing damage, the incident exposes the vulnerability of Pakistan’s infrastructure to climate-induced extreme weather events.
Moving forward, a comprehensive national strategy on disaster management and climate adaptation is essential to protect the lives and livelihoods of millions across the country.
