BAJAUR – At least five people died on Friday when lightning struck Jabrari village in the Salarzai area of Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rescue officials confirmed the incident, which occurred during intense rainfall across the region.
The heavy downpour triggered flash floods that swept through several settlements. Many homes were destroyed, and dozens of residents are still missing. Entire neighbourhoods were inundated, forcing families to evacuate and cutting off access to disaster-hit areas.
According to rescue teams, the lightning strike in Jabrari village also destroyed seven houses. Eighteen people were reportedly trapped under the debris. Efforts to reach them are ongoing, but damaged roads and disrupted communication lines are slowing operations.
Local residents fear the number of casualties may rise if relief operations are delayed. They have appealed to the government, the public, and welfare organisations to provide urgent assistance. Many warn that without immediate help, the scale of destruction could worsen in the coming days.
Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The warning came in light of forecasts for heavy and intermittent rains in the coming week.
The PDMA advised residents of Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Lower Dir, Swat, and Upper Kohistan to remain vigilant. The authority also cautioned that heavy rainfall could trigger landslides and flash floods in local streams and rivers.
District administrations have been directed to closely monitor vulnerable locations, issue timely warnings, and conduct evacuation drills. Authorities emphasise that preparedness is key to preventing further loss of life in flood-prone areas.
The Bajaur tragedy underscores the severe risks posed by extreme weather in northern Pakistan. With infrastructure damage and access routes blocked, rescue and relief efforts remain a race against time.
Stay informed on global affairs, like how the Lightning strike kills five in Bajaur amid heavy rains continues to affect lives.
