Second heavy monsoon rain causes devastation in Abbottabad

ABBOTTABAD: The second heavy rain of the monsoon season caused significant damage in the city, claiming the life of a minor girl, triggering landslides in hilly areas, and causing drains to overflow and streets to flood on Thursday.

Despite the administration’s tall claims and allocated funds for monsoon preparedness, the situation remains unchanged from the previous year. All the nullahs in the city have been encroached upon by influential individuals with the connivance of departments concerned, resulting in annual flash floods that necessitate a grand operation.

A minor girl was swept away from Bilal Town and later recovered by a rescue team during a search operation. Despite being rushed to Jinnah Hospital with severe injuries, she did not survive.

A landslide struck a Suzuki pick-up near Thandiyani Road at Khatwal, but timely rescue efforts saved the lives of the occupants. Similarly, six people were injured when a Suzuki car was hit by a landslide at Donga Gali. The injured were rushed to Ayub Teaching Hospital.

The persistent downpour disrupted normal life, causing financial losses worth millions of rupees. Flash floods inundated most parts of the city, including the Sethi Mosque area, Jhangi Qazian, Sir Syed Colony, Sarban Chowk, and the small industrial estate, where household items were damaged and buildings were compromised. Overflowing drains also caused sewage to seep into houses in cantonment areas, resulting in further losses and health hazards.

Rescue teams, including Cantt Rescue personnel, 1122, and traffic police, are working to clear roads and address emergencies in the affected areas.The condition of the under-construction Thandiyani Road, ongoing for the last two years, has also been criticised for its poor state, posing a risk to tourists and locals.