By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
KHYBER: At least six people were killed and more than a dozen injured after torrential rain triggered flash floods across the Landi Kotal subdivision of Khyber district, causing widespread destruction and prompting renewed calls for permanent flood protection along the Pak-Afghan Highway.
The heavy downpour damaged several link roads, while mud houses and the boundary walls of more than 10 homes either collapsed or were partially destroyed, leaving many families struggling to cope with the aftermath.
Rescue 1122 teams launched emergency search and rescue operations at multiple locations, recovering the bodies of those who died and transferring them to hospitals before handing them over to their families.
According to rescue officials and local sources, three of the victims were Afghan nationals whose vehicle was swept away by floodwaters near Sultan Khel Market on the Pak-Afghan Highway. Several other people caught in the same incident were rescued by local residents.
The remaining victims were identified as Farhan, son of Rasim Gul, from Jabba Jamrud, and Abu Zar, son of Imran, and Saifullah, son of Arafat, both from Sadokhel in Landi Kotal. They died in separate flash flood incidents during the storm.
Floodwaters submerged roads across Landi Kotal and neighboring areas, disrupting traffic and entering residential neighborhoods. Rescue teams remain engaged in relief efforts, while those injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The tragedy has sparked criticism from political leaders, community representatives and local residents, who said inadequate infrastructure had worsened the impact of the flooding. They argued that permanent bridges over seasonal streams, improved flood crossings and an effective drainage system along the Pak-Afghan Highway could have reduced the loss of life.
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