Heavy rains kill 27 in northwest Pakistan

Heavy rains followed by strong winds have wreaked havoc across Pakistan's northwest.

The death toll from rain-related incidents in the northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rose to 27 on Sunday. Another at least 145 people were also injured. 

The rains swept across Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Karak districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province leading to the collapse of several houses, uprooting trees and knocking down the electricity transmission lines.

Authorities declared an emergency in all four districts.

The local administration was working round the clock to provide emergency relief to the wounded, senior rescue officer Khateer Ahmad said.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities to increase the speed of the relief operations.

Meanwhile, the coastal areas of Pakistan have been put on high alert as Cyclone Biparjoy inches closer to Pakistan's south.

Last year Pakistan witnessed the worst flood in its history, killing more than 1700 people.

SS