BOONI: A sudden rise in the Yarkhun River has caused severe flooding in the Jinali Koch area of Upper Chitral, resulting in the destruction of homes, farmland, and trees.
The district administration in a statement on Tuesday said it has launched an emergency response to assist affected families.
According to initial reports, seven houses have been damaged, while large swathes of agricultural land, standing crops, and fruit trees have been swept away by the river’s high currents. This natural disaster has significantly impacted the livelihoods of residents in the remote valley.
In response, Deputy Commissioner Upper Chitral, Mr. Haseeb ur Rehman Khan Khalil, directed a field visit by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief & HR), Mr. Muhammad Anwar, and Assistant Commissioner Headquarters, Mr. Ehsan Afridi, who personally assessed the affected areas of Jinali Koch.
The district administration has dispatched emergency relief items to affected households and is working to ensure that no family is left without basic support.
The local revenue staff has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment and submit a detailed report. This will serve as the basis for compensation and further relief measures under the government’s disaster response plan.
The District Administration Upper Chitral reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of residents, especially in vulnerable flood-prone regions. Officials are closely monitoring water levels and coordinating with local authorities to respond to any further emergency.