PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather advisory as pre-monsoon rains are expected to hit most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting Sunday, continuing intermittently through Monday.
According to PDMA, strong winds, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and possible hailstorms are likely in Upper and Lower Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Malakand, Buner, Kolai-Palas, Torghar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North and South Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, Kohat, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, D.I. Khan, and Tank.
The PDMA has directed all district administrations to stay on high alert and ensure the availability of necessary machinery and emergency response resources in case of any untoward incidents. Due to the risk of landslides and road closures in upper hilly regions, authorities have been instructed to identify and provide alternate traffic routes.
Citizens are advised to stay away from exposed electrical wires, weak buildings, old structures, signboards, and billboards during storms. Farmers are urged to plan their agricultural activities in accordance with the weather forecast.
Tourists and residents in mountainous regions are advised to remain updated on weather developments and take necessary precautions. PDMA has further instructed district authorities to disseminate important weather alerts and safety messages in local languages to ensure maximum outreach.
The PDMA spokesperson confirmed that the Emergency Operations Centre is fully operational 24/7, and the public can contact the PDMA helpline at 1700 for any weather-related emergencies or guidance before traveling to affected or tourist areas.
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