NEELUM VALLEY: At least 22 people died and 150 buildings damaged due to lightening and heavy rains that led to floods in Neelum Valley.
According to Director Operations Disaster Management Authority, Saeed-Ur-Rehman Qureshi, lightening and floods caused widespread destruction in the Leswa village of Neelum Valley, killing at least 22.
Efforts are being made to search the 22 missing persons, 11 of whom were members of the Tableeghi Jamaat.
Qureshi said that Waqai Bazaar in Leswa had turned into ruins due to flooding.
Several vehicles belonging to tourists have reportedly drowned, he said, adding that the communication system in the area has also completely collapsed.
Rescue teams of the Disaster Management Authority have begun relief operations in the affected area.
