While record snowfall fascinates tourists in Swat, a massive rescue operation is underway in the Tirah Valley in Khyber District.
Intense rain and snow have trapped dozens of vehicles and hundreds of commuters across the remote valley. Under the direct instructions of Director General Dr. Ayaz Khan and the supervision of District Emergency Officer Shariq Riaz Khattak, Rescue 1122 teams are working tirelessly to save lives.
Massive Deployment Across Multiple Locations
The heavy snowfall has created dangerous, slippery conditions in several areas, including Tirah Nara Baba, Dwa Toi, Painda Cheena, Nangrosa, and Takhtaki. To manage the crisis, a large-scale rescue operation was launched involving:
- Personnel: Over 100 trained rescuers.
- Fleet: 23 operational vehicles, including ambulances and disaster recovery units.
- Regional Support: Teams from Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera have joined Khyber’s local teams as backup.
Humanitarian Aid
As of the latest updates, the dedicated teams have achieved the following:
- Lives Saved: Approximately 100 people have been moved to safety. This includes a recent successful mission in the Sandana area, where 55 passengers from 20 trapped vehicles were rescued.
- Vehicles Recovered: Over 50 vehicles stuck in deep snow have been cleared and recovered using heavy machinery.
- Humanitarian Support: Rescuers are providing more than just transport. Affected people, including children, have received medical first aid, food, warm clothing, and bedding.
Currently, the border checkpost, Painda Cheena, Nara Baba, Sandana, and Mehraban areas have been cleared. However, active operations continue in Dwa Toi, Tan, and the Bagh Maidan Bazaar.
Tragedy in Bara: Roof Collapse Incident
The severe weather also led to a tragic accident in Bara Batatal. The roof of a room belonging to a local man named Sakhi Gul collapsed due to heavy rainfall, burying five people under the debris. Rescue 1122 teams reached the spot immediately, successfully pulling all victims from the rubble and providing them with emergency medical treatment.
Despite the extreme cold and the constant threat of more snowfall, the Tirah Valley rescue operation remains in full swing. Teams are equipped with heavy machinery and specialized tools to ensure that rescue efforts continue without interruption.
Spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi confirmed that all available resources are being utilized to safeguard the public. Residents and travelers are advised to remain cautious as the rescue teams continue to monitor and clear the high-risk zones.
