LAKKI MARWAT: A flash flood swept away two people in the Wargha Banda area of Karak district as heavy showers damaged harvested wheat crop in Swabi, where a lightning strike also destroyed three cars and solar system of a hujra on Sunday, rescue officials and residents said.

A Rescue 1122 official said that rain-induced flood in the Tarkha watercourse in Karak played havoc and terrified local residents, prompting them to call rescuers for help.

He said that the rescuers managed to retrieve one of the bodies from the flooded drain while efforts were underway to find the other body. He said that identity of the deceased could not be ascertained immediately.

In Bajaur, a lightning strike damaged a house in Khar tehsil’s Bai China area on Saturday night, but luckily no casualties were reported, according to Rescue 1122 and local residents.

Heavy showers damage harvested wheat crop in Swabi

The residents said lightning struck the house of Painda Khan.

They said the mud house was extensively damaged in the incident.

In Swabi, a lightning bolt hit a hujra on Sunday, destroying three cars and solar system in Shahmansoor village, while heavy rain caused severe damage to the harvested wheat crop across the region.

The owner of the hujra said there was no one in the building when lightning struck.

He said power supply to the area was also suspended as a transmission line fell on the ground.

Meanwhile, farmers said heavy rain damaged their harvested wheat crop.

Liaqat Yousafzai, central general Secretary of Kashtkar Coordination Council, a farmers’ representative body, told Dawn that the government should compensate the farmers for the losses.

In Dera Ismail Khan, a spell of rain began on Sunday afternoon, bringing much-needed relief from the intense heat and humidity.

Throughout the day, the city experienced sweltering conditions, but by afternoon, dark clouds covered the sky, followed by gusty winds and intermittent rain showers. The rainfall significantly reduced the temperature, and residents expressed relief as the weather turned pleasant.

Cool breezes swept across the city streets, prompting families, children, and youth to come out and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere. However, rainwater accumulated in low-lying areas, causing inconvenience to citizens.

The local administration has activated drainage-clearing teams to manage the situation, while Rescue 1122 has been put on alert.

According to the Meteorological Department, more rain is expected over the next 24 hours. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures to ensure safety.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2025