PESHAWAR:
Torrential rains in Peshawar on Saturday caused flash flooding in several parts of the city, as storm water drains and streams overflowed and inundated residential areas. Panic spread among residents as floodwaters entered homes, forcing authorities to carry out large-scale rescue operations using boats.
The rising water level in Budhni Nullah on the outskirts of the city reached the danger mark, prompting locals to shift their belongings to safer places. Areas including Regi Lalma, Budhni, Hasan Garhi, Sardar Garhi, and Warsak Road were badly affected, with entire neighborhoods submerged. Many families were trapped inside their houses in Regi and along Warsak Road until rescue teams reached them.
According to Rescue 1122, more than 300 residents were safely evacuated from flood-hit areas and shifted to secure locations. Over 280 personnel took part in the operations, deploying rubber boats, water rescue vans, disaster vehicles, fire tenders, and ambulances. Elderly citizens, women, and children were rescued on priority basis.
Floodwaters also accumulated in inner-city localities such as Kohati, Khyber Bazaar, Jehangirpura, Nishtarabad, and Gulbahar. Announcements were made through loudspeakers near waterways to warn citizens and urge precautionary measures.
Officials said rescue teams acted promptly in Nasir Bagh Road, Warsak Road, and Budhni, preventing major casualties. Relief efforts continue as authorities monitor the situation amid forecasts of further rainfall.
Meanwhile, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary, Shahab Ali Shah, paid a detailed visit to Budhni Nullah on Warsak Road and Charsadda Road to review the situation arising from recent heavy rains.
He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Captain (R) Sanaullah Khan, Director General Rescue 1122 Tayyab Abdullah, and officers of other relevant departments.
During a briefing, the Deputy Commissioner informed that water flow in Budhni Nullah and other streams and rivers is being continuously monitored. He said the district administration and Rescue 1122 teams remain on high alert to respond to any emergency. Residents living along the banks have already been advised to take precautionary measures, while relief teams have been deployed at nearby points.
The chief secretary appreciated the performance of the departments concerned and directed that protecting the lives and property of citizens must remain the top priority. He warned that negligence in this regard would not be tolerated. He also directed that control rooms and helplines remain active to keep the public informed, and that all weak embankments along the nullah be repaired without delay.
DG Rescue 1122 Tayyab Abdullah said rescue teams, equipped with boats and modern gear, were on high alert and fully prepared for any possible evacuation or relief operations.
