Storm, heavy rains leave 16 dead in Peshawar

PESHAWAR – At least 16 people have been killed and more than 80 others injured in rain-related incidents and hailstorms in various parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's capital city as roofs and walls of building collapsed due to heavy rain.   Speaking to journalists at the Lady Reading Hospital, Assistant Commissioner Mumataz Ahmed confirmed the number of casualties. People facing hardships due to the rain complained that they felt stranded as entire provincial cabinet, including Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak, was busy with their 'Azadi March' and so far no Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader could reach the spot or hospital to inquire after the injured and families of the dead.   Rescuers are facing problems due to choked roads, and traffic jams and expressed fears that the death-toll may increase. Severe hail storms hit parts of the Peshawar on Friday evening playing havoc with life and properties in Akhundabad, Gujjarabad, Wazirbagh, Faqirabad and other areas of the city. Earlier, Rescue 1122 personnel confirmed that they had reports of at least 11 people dead and more than 50 others injured during the heavy downpour.   Edhi sources had said the death toll might be higher as the rescue workers were still busy in rescue activities. Most of the casualties were a result of collapsing buildings and walls in Lewane Baba Nothia, Faqirabad, Wazri Bagh, Lahori Gate, Phandu, Barisko, Ladny Sarak, Dir Colony and other areas. The families of the victims have castigated the authorities for their negligence as still many people are stranded in collapsed houses and no one visited affected areas to assess the situation.   When contacted, the deputy commissioner said the concerned 'patwaris' and revenue officers have been directed to assess the life and property losses. The official statement said an emergency was declared in all hospitals to meet any untoward incident due to further rains.   Agencies