Pakistan hit by deadly storms by Matt Taylor
Violent thunderstorms have caused destruction and death in northwest Pakistan. Officials say that more than 80 people have been killed, including women and children, as lightning, flash floods and landslides batter villages in the remote Usherai Darra area of the country.
Over 20 homes were washed away on Friday evening in the flood waters. Rescuers have confirmed the death of around 70 people so far, but feared the number of dead could increase, with scores of people still missing.
On Saturday torrential rain caused landslides which damaged more homes in the villages and blocked off roads, hampering rescue operations.
The villages which are located in mountains, surrounded by fast flowing rivers, are about 155 miles (250 kilometres) north of Peshawar, the capital of the Northwest Frontier Province.
Pakistan often suffers from severe and deadly storms. The harsh mountain weather often produces torrential rains and heavy snow, that easily destroys weakly built homes. Heavy rainfall and snowmelt swells mountain rivers that can break their banks, washing away settlements.
