LANDI KOTAL: At least three people were killed and nine others injured after torrential rains triggered flash floods in Landi Kotal, Khyber district, causing widespread damage to houses, vehicles and other property, according to an initial official report.

Officials said the deceased included a woman, a man and a child, all Afghan nationals who were travelling with a family returning to Afghanistan. Their passenger van was swept away by a flash flood near Sultan Khel Farsh.

Rescue 1122 Khyber launched a search and rescue operation immediately after the incident. With the assistance of divers and local volunteers, rescuers recovered the bodies of the woman and the man near Jaba Dam, while the child's body was found near Mamaji Kallay.

Rescue officials said the bodies would be handed over to the victims' families after completion of the necessary legal formalities.

Meanwhile, nine people sustained injuries in separate flood-related incidents. The injured belonged to Khoga Khel, Fatimi Khel, Sheikh Mal Khel and Pirokhel areas. They were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Landi Kotal, where they received medical treatment.

Hospital officials said all the injured were in stable condition and were discharged after receiving first aid and necessary treatment.

Also Read : Two Children Killed, Vehicles Swept Away as Monsoon Rains Lash KP

Heavy rainfall also caused flash floods in several parts of Landi Kotal, inundating roads, residential areas and agricultural land. Multiple houses and vehicles were reportedly damaged, while district authorities and rescue teams continued relief operations and damage assessment in the affected areas.

The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over the area. Local residents expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to provide immediate assistance to the affected people. They also called for effective flood mitigation measures, including safety arrangements along seasonal streams, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Rescue 1122 once again appealed to the public to avoid rivers, streams and flood channels during heavy rains, refrain from unnecessary travel, and contact the emergency helpline 1122 in case of any emergency.