A landslide in northwestern Pakistan has resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, with eight others wounded and several vehicles buried. The incident occurred near Torkham, a significant border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to Bilal Faizi, a spokesperson for the Rescue 1122 service in the province, rescue officials were informed of the landslide before dawn after a thunderstorm and rain. Faizi stated that many trucks and containers were buried, and authorities have launched a search operation to look for people trapped under the landslide. There could be more than 20 vehicles, including large trucks, under the rubble.
Faizi added that the landslide was not small and could not be cleaned up quickly. More than 60 people are working to remove the rubble, and it is like an entire mountain has collapsed. The Torkham crossing was closed for over a week in February this year due to tensions between Pakistani and Afghanistani authorities following clashes along the border.
The incident highlights the dangers of natural disasters in the region, particularly during the monsoon season. Landslides are common in Pakistan, particularly in hilly areas, and can result in significant loss of life and damage to property. The country has experienced several deadly landslides in recent years, including one in 2015 that killed over 300 people in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region.
The government has been criticized for its lack of preparedness and inadequate response to natural disasters. In 2010, heavy floods affected over 20 million people and caused significant damage to infrastructure and crops. The government was criticized for its slow response and inadequate relief efforts.
The incident also highlights the importance of effective disaster management and response mechanisms. The government must ensure that adequate resources are allocated to disaster management and response, including early warning systems, emergency services, and relief efforts. It is also essential to raise awareness among the public about the risks of natural disasters and how to prepare for them.
In conclusion, the landslide near Torkham is a tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of life and damage to property. The government must take immediate action to provide relief to those affected and ensure that adequate resources are allocated to disaster management and response. It is also crucial to raise awareness among the public about the risks of natural disasters and how to prepare for them. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of effective disaster management and response mechanisms in the region.