BAJAUR: A number of link roads in Utmankhel tehsil of Bajaur tribal district, including the main Khar-Arang road, were reopened to traffic on the first day of Eid after remaining closed for two days owing to flash floods, officials and residents said.

An official of the district administration told this correspondent that some link roads in Utmankhel tehsil remained closed to traffic due to flash floods triggered by torrential rains.

Scores of trees along both sides of the roads also fell during the heavy rain.

The official said that following directives by provincial minister Anwar Zeb Khan three tractors and other machinery were sent to the region to remove the trees and debris from the roads.

Minister assures farmers of relief package

He said the main Khar- Arang highway, which connected scores of villages with rest of the district through Khar town, and several link roads were reopened to traffic on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the residents confirmed the restoration of traffic on Khar- Arang artery and other roads after its suspension for two days.

Kazim Khan, a social activist in Arang area, told this scribe on Thursday that the region remained cut off from rest of the district for two days following flash floods.

He said all the link roads and Khar- Arang highway were reopened to traffic on Thursday after two days of efforts.

Provincial minister Anwar Zeb said all the roads in the region had been reopened after their closure due to the natural disaster. In a statement, he showed his concern over the damage caused by rain and floods to wheat crop and vegetables. He said he would try to get approval for a relief package from the provincial government for the affected farmers.

ROAD ACCIDENTS: One person was killed and about 18 others suffered injuries in road accidents during Eid days here in Bajaur tribal district, officials of Rescue 1122 said on Saturday.

They said at least nine road accidents were reported in parts of Khar, Nawagai, Mamond and Utmankhel tehsil during past three days, leaving one person dead and 18 others wounded.

Meanwhile, authorities said on Saturday that they had detained about 40 underage motorcyclists for violating traffic rules.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2021