PESHAWAR: At least 16 people have been killed and more than 80 others injured in rain-related incidents and hailstorms in various parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's capital city Peshawar as roofs and walls of building collapsed due to heavy rain.
Shortly after reports of the deaths surfaced, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced compensation of Rs300,000 to the family members of each of the deceased and Rs100,000 to each injured person.
Nawaz also directed the National Disaster Management Authority to assess the losses of people affected by rain in Peshawar and help in their rehabilitation.
Chief minister Khyber Paktunkawa Pervaiz Khattak has also announced a compensation of Rs three lakh each for those who had lost their lives in the rains while Rs50,000 would be given to the injured.
The chief minister himself though is in Islamabad leading the Azadi march from KP. He also announced that Rs one lakh for those who had lost their limbs or have been seriously injured in rain-related incidents.
Meanwhile Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has also dispatched at least 20 trucks of food and other stuff for the rain affectees of Peshawar.
PML-N leader Rehmat Salam Khattak confirmed the assistance, saying the Punjab chief minister has sent humanitarian assistance for the people who are in need.
Assistant Commissioner Peshawar, Mumataz Ahmed while speaking to media at Lady Reading Hospital confirmed the number of casualties.
People facing hardships due to the rain complained that they felt stranded as entire KP cabinet, including Chief Minister Khattak, was busy with their 'Azadi March' and so far no Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader could reach the spot or hospital to inquire after the injured and dead.
Rescuers are facing problems due to choked roads, and traffic jams and expressed fears that the death-toll may increase.
Severe hail storms hit parts of the Peshawar on Friday evening playing havoc with life and properties in Akhundabad, Gujjarabad, Wazirbagh, Faqirabad and other areas of the city.
Earlier, Rescue 1122 personnel confirmed that they had reports of at least 11 people dying and more than 50 others injured during the heavy downpour.
Edhi sources had however said, the death toll might be higher as the rescue workers were still busy in rescue activities.
Most of the casualties were a result of collapsing buildings and walls in Lewane Baba Nothia, Faqirabad, Wazri Bagh, Lahori Gate, Phandu, Barisko, Ladny Sarak, Dir Colony and other areas.
The families of the victims have castigated the authorities and the government for their irresponsible behaviour as still many people are stranded in collapsed houses and no one visited to hospital or the affected areas to assess the situation.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner, Peshawar's office said the concerned 'patwaris' and revenue officers have been directed to assess the life and property losses.
Deputy Commissioner Zaheerul Islam's official statement said an emergency was declared in all hospitals to meet any untoward incident due to further rains.
