KP Braces for Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms as PDMA Issues Province-Wide Alert
Rain, strong winds and thunderstorms forecast from August 29 to September 5; landslides and urban flooding feared in vulnerable areas
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a province-wide weather alert following a forecast of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across several districts from August 29 to September 5.
According to the PDMA, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur and Kohistan.
The weather system is also likely to affect Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber and Mohmand, where rain and thunderstorms are expected during the forecast period.
From September 1 to 4, rain is forecast in southern districts including Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, North Waziristan and South Waziristan.
The PDMA has warned that heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas. There is also a risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Mardan and Swabi from August 31 to September 5.
The authority cautioned that strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures, electricity poles, billboards and crops.
District administrations and relevant departments have been directed to take precautionary measures and remain on alert. Tourists and travellers have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
The PDMA urged tourists to avoid trekking, hiking and camping during heavy rainfall and advised residents to stay away from streams, nullahs and rainwater channels. Citizens have also been warned against attempting to cross roads submerged by floodwater.
Residents have been advised to remain in safe places during thunderstorms and strong winds.
The PDMA and relevant agencies are monitoring the situation, while citizens can contact the authority’s toll-free helpline 1700 in case of an emergency.
