The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a weather warning regarding a new series of heavy rains in most districts of the province in view of the recent monsoon situation. In light of the information received from the Meteorological Department and related agencies, this series is likely to continue intermittently from July 20 to July 25. According to the PDMA, during this period, strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rains are likely in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Tank, Lakki Marwat, DI Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Hangu and Kurram. PDMA has warned that there is a risk of flooding in local and rain-fed rivers and streams of Galiat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan during July 22-25, while the risk of landslides may also increase in mountainous areas. In view of this situation, PDMA has issued instructions to the district administration to take preventive measures, Rescue 1122 and relief agencies to remain alert and utilise all available resources. Arrangements have also been emphasised to maintain traffic flow in sensitive places and on main highways. PDMA has directed to ensure the cleanliness of rivers and drainage systems to avoid possible urban flooding. Farmers have been directed to harvest crops early and store them in safe places, while livestock keepers have been directed to take measures to protect their animals. The public has been urged not to take shelter in open fields or under trees during wind, hail and thunderstorms but to move to safe places. Travellers have been advised to be cautious on national and provincial highways and take alternative routes. PDMA has directed all relevant agencies to disseminate weather alerts to the public in local languages and keep alternative routes active in case of emergency. PDMA’s Emergency Operation Centre is fully functional, and in case of any untoward incident, the public should immediately report it on 1700.
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