BANU: Heavy rains that began on March 25 have caused multiple roof and ceiling collapses in and around Bannu, killing at least nine people and injuring 47, provincial authorities said.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa issued a preliminary report attributing most of the incidents to structural failures in Bannu and neighbouring North Waziristan. Local officials say several of the fatalities and injuries occurred when rooftops and verandas gave way during or after the storms.
Incident details released by authorities include:
– Kotka Ghulam Qadir: Collapse of a veranda killed two children and injured 35 people.
– Valkhim Mummakhel: Ceiling collapse in a room killed two children and injured one person.
– Shamdikala Mandeo: A woman died after a roof collapse.
It may be added here that the Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent rains across the province through Tuesday and urged residents to exercise caution. Authorities have advised people in vulnerable homes to stabilize roofs where possible and to temporarily evacuate from high-risk areas.
Rescue teams and medical personnel have been asked to remain on standby, with supplies ready for immediate dispatch to affected communities. Emergency responders are prepared to provide treatment to the injured and arrange temporary shelter for those displaced.
The PDMA said its report is preliminary and that further assessments of loss and damage are underway.
