Peshawar experienced severe flooding on Friday, leading to the evacuation of more than 120 individuals from Sardar Colony. The flooding was caused by heavy rains that resulted in the overflow of Budhni nullah, inundating the area and prompting a swift response from local rescue services.
According to Bilal Ahmed Faizi, a spokesperson for Rescue 1122, the rescue operation involved 40 rescuers and four vehicles. In addition to the evacuations in Sardar Colony, five individuals were rescued from the Khushal Bagh area on Warsak Road. Although rescuers were also dispatched to Safia Homes and Nasir Bagh Road, no evacuations were necessary in those locations. Fortunately, no casualties were reported during this incident.
Impact of Heavy Rains on Peshawar
The heavy rainfall that struck Peshawar early on Friday resulted in the city receiving approximately 21mm of rain, according to the Meteorological Department. This rainfall led to significant water accumulation on roads, particularly in the Swat and Khyber districts. Rescue 1122 reported that they utilized dewatering pumps to manage the rainwater in several affected areas.
Disruption of Public Services
In response to the flooding, TransPeshawar, the operator of the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit system, announced the suspension of services due to the closure of Budhni Bridge. This disruption affected many commuters who rely on public transportation for their daily activities.
Power Outages Across Multiple Circles
The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) reported significant power outages as a result of the storm. A total of 84 feeders tripped, leading to electricity suspensions in Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan, Swabi, and Swat circles. Specifically, 41 feeders tripped in the Peshawar circle, 22 in Khyber, 12 in Mardan, five in Swabi, and four in Swat. PESCO staff are currently working to restore power supply to affected areas.
Infrastructure Damage and Community Concerns
In addition to the flooding, the Topi-Kotha causeway in Swabi collapsed due to the high flood conditions, which halted traffic between Topi and surrounding villages. This causeway, constructed just a year ago, was a vital shortcut for residents. Following the incident, local officials, including those from the tehsil municipal administration, Rescue 1122, and Civil Defence, responded promptly to assess the situation.
Residents have raised concerns regarding the quality of materials used in the construction of the causeway, suggesting that substandard materials may have contributed to its collapse. This incident highlights the ongoing issues related to infrastructure resilience in the face of extreme weather events.
Future Preparedness and Response
The recent flooding in Peshawar serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness for natural disasters. Local authorities are urged to review and enhance their emergency response strategies to better protect residents during severe weather conditions. Community awareness and infrastructure improvements are critical to mitigating the impact of future flooding events.
As Peshawar continues to recover from this incident, residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and to follow any guidance issued by local authorities regarding safety and emergency procedures.
