Rain, hailstorm batter parts of KP

CHARSADDA/ PESHAWAR: At least six people, including a woman and a child, sustained burn injuries in Charsadda after being struck by lightning during heavy rain and hailstorms that battered several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday.

The heavy rain also caused damage to crops and vehicles.

According to local sources, Battagram, Tarnab, and Sardaryab in Charsadda were hit by torrential downpours accompanied by large hailstones, resulting in damage to standing crops and vehicles. A jirga in Battagram was disrupted due to heavy rain and hail.

In Shabqadar Bazaar and the Tangi tehsil, moderate rainfall with light hail was also reported. However, in Tangi, lightning struck during the storm, leaving six people injured.

The victims were shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Tangi, where they were given immediate medical aid.

Medical Superintendent Dr Amin Khattak said that six of the injured had suffered burns caused by lightning. He confirmed that all six were discharged after receiving first aid.

The storm also caused damage in various parts of Tangi, where walls of several houses collapsed. Additionally, a mobile phone tower belonging to a telecom company fell in the Mandani area due to the inclement weather. However, no injuries were reported in these incidents.

Meanwhile, the provincial capital also received heavy rain and hailstorms in the evening.

In light of a flash flood advisory, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cancelled weekly off days for all officers and staff of the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), including divisional reporting officers.

According to an official notification issued by the PDMA, all concerned personnel were directed to ensure their presence on duty on Saturday and Sunday, i.e. April 19 and 20. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure timely reporting, efficient coordination, and preparedness in case of any emergency situation arising from potential flash floods. The emergency centre will remain operational over the weekend with all relevant staff instructed to remain on high alert.

PDMA officials said the move reflected the authority’s proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property ahead of any possible natural disaster. The advisory follows forecasts of heavy rainfall that could trigger flash flooding in vulnerable areas of the province.