KP releases report on rain-induced damage to roads, bridges

PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - Heavy rains and floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have severely damaged the communication infrastructure.

According to a report by the Communication and Works Department, from August 15 to 22, floods and landslides affected 331 roads at 336 locations across the province.

The report stated that 493 kilometers of roads have been completely or partially destroyed, with 57 roads still closed.

The department estimates that approximately Rs9.45 billion will be required for road restoration, with 50 roads fully and 229 partially restored so far.

Meanwhile, 32 bridges were washed away in the floods, of which only one has been fully restored, 22 are partially open for traffic, and 9 remain closed. The repair of bridges is estimated to cost Rs1.12 billion.

According to the report, Swat district was the most affected, with 79 roads damaged and 43 kilometers washed away, requiring Rs450 million for restoration.

In Buner, 43 roads were affected, with 39 partially restored and 4 still closed, with an estimated restoration cost of Rs4.5 billion.

In Swabi, 41 roads were damaged, with 32 still closed, and restoration is estimated to cost Rs2.76 billion.

Secretary Communication and Works Muhammad Israr stated that Buner, Swabi, and other districts suffered the most damage.

He added that on August 15, an urgent funding request of Rs1.5 billion was made to the Finance Department, of which Rs700 million was immediately released.

Of the released funds, Rs400 million was allocated to Malakand, Rs100 million to Hazara Region, and Rs200 million to the Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority. Additionally, 186 machines have been deployed for restoration work.