Climate
200 tourists who were stranded in Kumrat Valley, Upper Dir district, due to heavy monsoon rains, have been safely rescued, according to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA). The tourists, trapped after the roads were blocked by landslides and flooding, were evacuated from areas including Dojangla, Kala Chesma, and Abshar.
The KPCTA spokesperson confirmed that the rescued individuals were brought to the Grand Palace Hotel, where they received food and other essential services before being transported to Kalam. The operation was supported by local police and district administration, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of all those affected.
The rescue comes amidst a challenging monsoon season in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where heavy rains have caused significant destruction. Just a day before the tourists were rescued, a tragic incident in Maidan Tehsil, Upper Dir, saw 13 members of a family lose their lives when their roof collapsed due to the relentless downpour.
Monsoon rains in Pakistan, which typically span from July to August, have historically caused severe damage across the country. In 2022, the province of KP alone saw over 75,000 homes destroyed or partially damaged by floods, highlighting the vulnerability of the region during this season.
According to a report from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the current monsoon spell has claimed 74 lives and injured 128 people in KP from July to August 28. Additionally, 906 houses have been reported damaged due to rain-related incidents in the last two months. The recent heavy rains have also triggered flash floods, leading to further casualties, including the loss of a local government representative in Swabi and the death of a young boy in Bannu.
As the monsoon season continues, authorities are urging residents and tourists to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines to minimize the risks associated with extreme weather conditions.