SHANGLA: Flash floods triggered by heavy rain destroyed at least 140 mini power stations and 20 houses in Shangla district late on Thursday night.

According to the residents, flash floods hit Lodhar and other villages in Damorai and Peer Khana union councils, which swept away at least 20 houses and partially damaged 40 others. The floods also washed away four cars.

Police said that at least 140 mini power stations were washed away by the floods, disrupting electricity supply and communication system in Kana tehsil. They said that a two-kilometre road which linked Lodhar with other areas was also washed away in the floods.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army team reached Lodhar and started rescue and relief activities. The army team also started a survey of flood damage.

Khan Nawab, district council member from Peer Khana union council, told Dawn that Lodhar village and its suburbs were hit by flash floods caused by heavy rain on Thursday night. He said that over 50 houses and scores of mini power stations were damaged in the flood.

“We have contacted the deputy commissioner and requested him to start relief operation in the area as soon as possible. People in the whole tehsil are facing power suspension because the mini power stations along Kana River, Lodhar River, Sherin River, Shahpor River and others have been damaged,” he said.

Sardar Mohammad Khan, a local resident, said that the main road linking other areas with Swat-Bisham road was damaged by flood in April 2016, but it was yet to be repaired.

“We demand of the government and the National Disaster Management Authority to swiftly clear the roads and restore the power stations instantly,” he said. He said that water supply schemes in the area were also damaged, resulting in shortage of drinking water. People in some areas have started repairing the water pipelines on self-help basis.

The residents urged the MNA and MPA from the area to come forward in this difficult time and help those affected by the flash floods.

When contacted, district disaster management officer Taimur Khan Afridi told Dawn that Lodhar was hit by floods, but fortunately no loss of human lives was reported. He said that on the request of district council member 10 tents had been sent to the affected area.

“The Lodhar road will be cleared within a week after provision of food and non-food items to the affected families,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2016