Three killed as rain continues to lash Chitral

CHITRAL: Flash floods triggered by cloudburst continued to play havoc with human lives and properties in the district as three people were killed and dozens of houses were swept away by fast-moving water in various parts of the landlocked district.
Heavy rains have been lashing the length and breadth of the scenic Chitral district over the past five days, leaving behind a trail of destruction.Reports said the main road linking Chitral town with Mastuj tehsil and Gilgit was also swept away by the flooding at Koragh area. The locals said that 18 houses collapsed due to high floods at Garam Chashma.
It was learnt that the Shahi Qilla also sustained a partial damage. Some reports said that many people were stranded as many roads and bridges were swept away by the floodwater. Locals said traffic was suspended that had created shortage of food items in various parts of the district.
Floods also wreaked havoc with property in famous Kalash valleys. It was reported that eight houses were destroyed in Reshun, two in Charwan, four in Koragh, six in Broze, 21 in Orghuch. It was also learnt that dozens of bridges meant for jeeps were swept away by the raging floodwater. The rain coupled with floods marred the festivities and the people couldn’t visit the homes of their relatives to exchange Eid greetings.
The rains disrupted communication system in the district, where telephone lines went dead and electricity supply was suspended for four days. The locals asked the prime minister and the Pakistan Army to provide relief to the stranded people and repair the damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, the district administration declared emergency in the Chitral district.