The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted on Sunday that heavy rain will begin in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting tomorrow, Monday.
In response to this forecast, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued an alert, indicating the likelihood of heavy rains in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from September 15 to September 19. They advised district administrations and relevant institutions to stay alert, as intermittent rain, wind, thunderstorms, and heavy downpours are expected.
From September 16 to 19, intermittent thunderstorms with strong winds and rain are likely in the upper districts of the province, including Upper and Lower Dir, Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kolaipalas, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, and both North and South Waziristan.
Heavy rains are expected from September 18 to 19, which may increase water flow in local drains and rivers in Dir (Upper and Lower), Chitral (Upper and Lower), Swat, Shangla, Buner, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, and Mardan.
There is also a risk of landslides in sensitive mountainous areas during this period, particularly in Abbottabad, Battagram, Buner, Chitral (Upper and Lower), Dir (Upper and Lower), Khyber, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kulgam, Kurram, Malakand, Mansehra, Mohmand, Orakzai, Shangla, Swat, Torghar, and North Waziristan.
The PDMA has warned that strong winds and thunderstorms could damage vulnerable structures, including houses, electricity poles, advertisement boards, and solar panels. Consequently, district administrations have been instructed to take necessary precautionary measures, clean drainage systems, and raise awareness among local residents, tourists, and travelers.
Special instructions have been issued to farmers and livestock keepers to relocate crops and animals to safer areas, and tourists are advised to avoid dangerous locations. Moreover, relevant agencies have been directed to ensure the availability of emergency services, medical aid, food, and other essential items. The public is also urged to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions.
