KP Floods: 493 km of Roads and 32 Bridges Destroyed, PKR 9 Billion Needed for Restoration

PESHAWAR: The recent monsoon rains and subsequent floods and landslides have caused massive destruction to the communication infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with damages detailed in an official report released by the Department of Communication and Works.

According to the report, covering the period from August 15 to August 22, a total of 331 roads were damaged at 336 locations, with 493 kilometers of roads washed away due to floods and landslides. As of now, 57 roads remain closed.

The estimated cost for the rehabilitation of roads is PKR 9.45 billion. So far, 229 roads have been partially restored, while 50 roads have been fully reopened for traffic.

In addition to roads, 32 bridges were swept away across the province. Of these, one bridge has been fully restored, and 22 have been partially reopened for traffic. Nine bridges remain closed. The repair and reconstruction of bridges will require PKR 1.12 billion.

The worst-hit district was Swat, where 79 roads were affected at 80 different points, with 43 kilometers of road washed away. Currently, 3 roads have been fully restored, 75 partially, and 2 remain inaccessible. Restoration efforts in Swat alone are expected to cost over PKR 450 million.

In Buner, 43 roads were damaged, with 39 partially reopened and 4 still closed. The estimated restoration cost in Buner stands at PKR 4.5 billion.

Similarly, Swabi saw damage to 41 roads, with 32 still not restored. The cost of restoring roads in Swabi is estimated at PKR 2.76 billion.

Speaking to Geo News, Secretary of the Department of Communication and Works, Muhammad Israr, said that the torrential rains and floods had caused significant damage in Buner, Swabi, and other districts.

He added that the Finance Department was asked to release PKR 1.5 billion on August 15, and PKR 700 million were released the following day. Of this, PKR 400 million was allocated to Malakand, PKR 100 million to Hazara Division, and PKR 200 million to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority.

Read more: UNDP Expresses Deep Concern Over Devastating Floods in Pakistan, Provides Emergency Relief

He further mentioned that 186 pieces of heavy machinery have been deployed for the ongoing restoration of roads and infrastructure.