MINGORA/ALPURI: Heavy winds, thunderstorms, and torrential rain severely disrupted daily life in Swat and Shangla districts on Tuesday, causing power outages, damage to property, and injuries in several areas.
In Swat, strong winds and heavy rainfall affected Mingora city, Saidu Sharif, and adjoining localities, where multiple incidents of collapsing walls were reported. Four people were injured after the wall of a house collapsed during the storm in the Shagai area. Police said the injured were shifted to Saidu Sharif Hospital for immediate medical treatment.
The severe weather also led to the widespread suspension of electricity supply after several power feeders tripped.
The residents remained confined to their homes as fear and panic spread due to the stormy conditions. Traffic flow in Mingora was also disrupted because of poor weather and reduced visibility, while heavy rain and windstorms were recorded in various tehsils of Swat district.
Authorities have advised citizens to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary movement during the ongoing bad weather.
In Shangla, heavy storms, strong winds, and torrential rain caused widespread destruction across the district, damaging houses, schools, electricity infrastructure, and road links in several areas.
The rain and storm struck late at night, affecting the tehsils of Chakisar, Alpuri, Kana tehsil, and the surrounding localities. Powerful winds blew off the roofs of numerous houses and schools, while several weak and dilapidated structures also sustained damage.
Officials said at least 11 houses were damaged in Chakisar tehsil, while nine houses were affected in Alpuri. Falling trees uprooted by the storm blocked roads and damaged vehicles, causing financial losses to residents.
Despite the extensive destruction, no loss of life was reported. However, several families were forced to spend the night under the open sky after their homes were damaged.
The storm also badly disrupted the district’s electricity transmission system. Power supply remained suspended for several hours in Alpuri, Ranyal, Chakesar, Shahpur, Kana, Puran, and other areas after multiple feeders tripped and electricity poles, including parts of the main transmission line, were damaged.
Residents also faced water shortages and communication problems due to prolonged power outages.
