29 killed as rains wreak havoc in Pakistan

At least people 12 were killed Saturday, bringing the death toll to 29 in several rain-related accidents across Pakistan, local media said. The country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province remained the worst-hit in the current spell of torrential rains where 13 people were killed and 34 others injured in separate rain- triggered accidents. Local Disaster Management Authority said that several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including provincial capital of Peshawar, Nowshera, Swat, and Kohistan are most likely to face more damages in the coming days as rain is likely to continue till Sunday. In the country's northwest tribal area, two people were killed and 15 were injured when floods washed away at least eight houses and damaged 17 others. Heavy rains also hit northern Gilgit Baltistan area where rain water inundated many low-lying streets. Standing crops were damaged when landslides triggered by floods hit villages and valleys in the area. In eastern province of Punjab, six people were killed and several others injured in separate rain-related accidents including roof collapse and electrocution. In southern Sindh province at least six people including two kids were killed and several others injured as rain hit various areas including the provincial capital of Karachi. Rain water filled the streets and roads of many areas, disrupting the traffic system. In southwest Balochistan province, two people were killed and several others injured as rain played havoc in the province's southern part. Flood warning has been issued in several districts and rain water cut off road link between various areas. Local Met Office said that the current rain spell is likely to continue in Balochistan for the next 36 hours and it may trigger flooding in streams and drainages. Emergency has been declared in the flood prone area and rescue teams have been put on high alert to combat any untoward situation. Flight operation was disrupted at various airports in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh due to unpleasant weather. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed concern over the loss of life and property in the torrential rains. He said that he is in contact with all concerned departments and directed them to provide immediate relief to the affected people.