PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Friday declared a day of mourning after deadly flash floods claimed at least 229 lives across the province.
During relief operations, an MI-17 helicopter of the KP government crashed while carrying supplies to Salarzai in Bajaur. All five crew members on board embraced martyrdom.
Expressing deep sorrow, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur offered condolences to the families of the martyrs. He said the nation stood with them in their grief and would always remember the sacrifices of its brave sons.
The chief minister announced that the provincial flag would fly at half-mast and the martyrs would be buried with full state honors. He prayed for their ranks to be elevated and for patience for their loved ones.
“The helicopter crew gave their lives to save others. They are our true heroes, and their sacrifices will be written in golden words in history,” Gandapur said.
Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that heavy rains and flash floods over the past 24 hours killed 229 people and injured 14 others in KP. The dead include two women and eight children, while the injured are 11 men, two women, and one child.
According to PDMA, the floods damaged 30 houses, 25 partially and five completely. Fatal incidents occurred in Swat, Buner, Bajaur, Torghar, Mansehra, Shangla, and Battagram, with Bajaur and Battagram being the worst hit.
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