Shangla district faces devastation after rainstorm

Shangla district in Pakistan recently faced a calamitous rainstorm that resulted in significant damage and loss of life. Reports indicate that three individuals, including a woman, lost their lives, while nine others sustained injuries. The torrential rains led to the destruction of over 300 residential houses, affecting hundreds of residents in the region. The adverse weather conditions triggered landslides, severely impacting the link roads to upper areas of Shangla. Efforts by C&W and TMA officials are underway to clear the affected roads, with substantial progress already made in this regard.

During the storm, the boundary walls of three government schools collapsed, and more than 50 water supply schemes were flooded. The lack of a coordinated media system in Shangla has posed challenges for journalists in gathering information promptly. The provincial government has taken steps to provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased and injured individuals, as well as those whose homes were damaged.

Residents are eagerly awaiting government support for the rehabilitation of their houses. Concerns have been raised regarding the allocation of funds for rehabilitation projects, with demands for transparent and equitable distribution to ensure that the affected areas receive necessary assistance. The adverse weather conditions have also severely impacted agricultural activities, with crops, fruits, and vegetables suffering damage due to hailstorms. The region is grappling with traffic disruptions and challenges on major highways, including the Karakoram Highway, due to landslides and slippery roads.

The continuous increase in water flow has further exacerbated the situation, affecting the local electricity system and hydropower plants. Most generators are non-operational, leading to power outages in the area. The ongoing challenges highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the aftermath of the rainstorm and support the affected communities in Shangla.