K‑P unveils Rs9.45bn damage assessment after floods

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Communications and Works Department has unveiled a staggering Rs 9.45 billion estimate for repairing roads and bridges damaged by flash floods and heavy rains across the province from August 15 to 22. Relentless rains and flash floods have ravaged Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), leaving at least 393 people dead, 190 injured, and 1,618 houses damaged — including 433 completely destroyed — with Buner reporting the highest toll at 234 fatalities. In a detailed report released on Saturday, the department stated that 331 roads were damaged at 336 locations, with approximately 493 kilometres of road infrastructure rendered unusable due to severe flooding and landslides. Of these, 229 roads have been partially reopened to traffic, while 50 have been fully restored. However, 57 roads remain inaccessible, and full rehabilitation is expected to take time. Also Read: NDMA issues nationwide rain alert from Aug 23 The report added that the restoration of these road networks alone would require an estimated Rs9.45 billion. Meanwhile, the floodwaters also swept away 32 bridges across the province. Only one bridge has been completely reopened for traffic, while 22 are partially operational and nine remain closed. The department has projected that the cost of restoring the damaged bridges will amount to Rs1.12 billion. The most severely affected district was Swat, where 79 roads sustained damage at 80 different points. In total, 43 kilometres of roads were washed away in Swat alone. Restoration efforts in the district have led to three roads being fully reopened, while 75 have been partially cleared. Two roads, however, remain inaccessible. The cost of rehabilitation in Swat has already crossed Rs450 million. In Buner district, 43 roads were damaged, with only four still completely inaccessible. Thirty-nine roads have seen partial restoration. The department stated that more than Rs450 million had already been spent on repair work in the area. In Swabi, 41 roads suffered damage, but 32 of them are yet to be restored to traffic. Officials said rehabilitation efforts are ongoing in all affected regions, with work being prioritised in areas with critical connectivity. Read: Centre, provinces head for fresh NFC clash Landslides and flash floods are common during the monsoon season, which typically begins in June and lasts until the end of September. This year, nearly 750 people have died since the season started, according to authorities. Pakistan is among the world's most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and is increasingly facing extreme weather events. Monsoon floods submerged one-third of Pakistan in 2022, resulting in approximately 1,700 deaths.

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