SWABI/MOHMAND/BAJAUR: A boatman drowned after a lightning strike badly damaged his boat inthe Indus River amid heavy rain near the historical Hund village of Swabi district on Friday night.
Four tourists from Mardan district, who also rode the boat, narrowly escaped death.
Local divers rescued them and shifted them to the Bacha Khan Teaching Hospital where their condition was improving, according to doctors.
The body of boatman Iqbal Hussain, from Hund village, was later recovered by a Rescue 1122 team.
The rainstorm suspended power supply to majority of the areas in the district for over 17 consecutive hours. Strong winds uprooted poles and trees, leading to the suspension of electric supply. The Pesco officials said that they’re focusing on the areas with minor faults. They said removing uprooted trees and rehabilitating poles required time and they’re trying their best to restore electric supply. Some areas reported water shortages as well.
Riaz Khan from Maneri Bala village complained the residents repeatedly contacted the Pesco’s complaint office for power restoration, but to no avail.
He said that the people had a sleepless night due to the prolonged power outage.
Tobacco growers complained that the hailstorm had destroyed their crop. They asked the government for compensation. Vegetable plants were also damaged by hailstones.
Meanwhile, two people were wounded after being struck by lightning during rain in Kaga Manoo Janagle area of Mamund tehsil in Bajaur tribal district on Saturday evening. Residents said that the injured, including Bahadar Khan and Sadam Khan, were Immediately shifted to the Khar hospital for treatment.
They said that several goats and sheep were also killed and wounded by lightning.
An official of the administration said that a team of officials had been sent to the area with relief goods.
Also, hailstorms and heavy rain damaged wheat crops and vegetables in several areas of the district, especially Nawagai, War Mamund and Lowi Mamund.
Also, Mohmand tribal district recorded heavy rainfall and intense hailstorm late on Friday.
Residents said that the storm caused widespread damage to standing crops, vegetable fields, orchards, and solar power systems in residential areas.
The worst-affected areas include Ekkaghund, Michnai, Pandiali, Haleemzai, Khewazai and Baizai, with farmers suffering heavy losses. Residents and farmers urged the government to assess the damage, announce compensation and initiate emergency relief measures to support the affected communities.
Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2025
