13 killed in separate incidents as heavy rain, snow lashes AJK

MUZAFFARABAD: At least 13 people have died and several others injured in the rain and snow-related incidents in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

According to details, at least 21 houses, four shops, one mosque and two vehicles damaged in the affected areas. Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan has ordered the authorities concerned to initiate immediate rescue operation in the rains affected areas of the state.

He also has directed Minister of State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Ahmed Raza Qadri to accelerate rescue and relief activities in the rain and snow hit areas of Azad Kashmir. The PM directed the SDMA to collaborate with the relevant departments and rush to the far-flung remote areas of the state to provide relief to the affected people at the earliest.

Raja Farooq Haider also issued directives to the administration to provide all possible assistance to the affected people stuck in their areas due to torrential rains and heavy snowfall.

On the other hand, at least 21 people were killed and several others wounded in the rain and snow-related incidents across the Balochistan province.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has imposed emergency in 7 districts of Balochistan following continuous heavy rain and snowfall. 

Imran Zarkon, chief of disaster management in Balochistan, said most people have died in the past 24 hours due to roofs collapsed incidents amid heavy snowfall.

Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan visited the PDMA control room and inspected the arrangements of the current weather situation. Jam Kamal Khan also visited Quetta and other areas and extended his condolences on the demise of people