SHANGLA: Amid the continuing search for seven missing persons in Puran tehsil, a fresh spell of heavy rain has hit Shangla districts, increasing water flow in rivers and streams.

The relevant officials visited riverbanks to monitor the flow of water and measures for public safety.

Meanwhile, a search operation for seven missing persons in Khwar Banda and Shati Dara areas of Puran tehsil continued for the fourth consecutive day following the cloudburst-induced floods on Friday morning.

The administration and volunteers have established medical relief camps in the calamity-hit villages.

According to Shangla administration, 36 people died and 24 suffered injuries in the recent deluge, which devastated infrastructure and communication systemsin the region.

In a report issued on Monday, it said 177 roads were damaged, including those managed by the National Highway Authority and the communication and works department.

The administration said 29 bridges and 11 vehicles were swept away by flash floods, while the region also lost two health facilities, two shops, four mini-power stations and 52 animals to the calamity.

It said the floods damaged over 100 water schemes, five irrigation channels and 23 protection walls.

In a statement, deputy commissioner Mohammad Fawad said rehabilitation was under way across the district, while the Dehrai-Chakesar Road had been cleared to traffic.

He said that work on the Alpuri-Puran, Makhozi and other major and link roads continued for the fourth consecutive day, while the search for missing people and relief activities was also under way.

The DC said the people from affected villages were provided with healthcare in the areas for which special medical camps were established.

Meanwhile, the DC ordered the closure of government and private schools in Kana tehsil amid fears of heavy rains and cloudburst in the area.

It said all educational institutions in Puran and Shahpur Kana tehsils would remain closed.

The district administration has already put all government agencies and departments on high alert and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and getting close to rivers and streams.

It has also imposed Section 144, banning bathing in and collecting firewood from rivers and streams, and warned ban violators would be dealt with strictly.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2025