2 killed in rain-related incidents across K-P
Traffic continues to flow on Korangi Road during the first shower of the rainy season on Friday. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS
Two people were killed in Khyber tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) when they were washed away in flash floods following a heavy downpour.
The bodies of the 9-year-old child and 22-year-old adult were recovered from the streams by the local tribesmen.
On Saturday rain was recorded in Peshawar (City 52 mm, A/P 37 mm), Khyber (Landi kotal 33 mm, Tirah Trace), Kakul 20 mm, Kohat and Risalpur 14 mm each, Pashat Bajaur 10 mm, Dir and Cherat 8 mm each, Timergara 5 mm, Balakot 2 mm, Buner nd Takht Bhai one mmm each.
K-P Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has once again issued flood alert as a new spell of rain is expected across the province
As per the Met Office partly cloudy/cloudy weather is expected over most parts of the province. Scattered thunderstorm-rain associated with gusty winds is likely to occur over Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Battagram, Kohistan, Torghar, Shangla, Chitral, Upper & Lower Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Peshawar, Khyber, Orakzai and Kurram districts.
Isolated thunderstorm-rain/gusty winds is expected at Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, DI Khan, North and South Waziristan districts. Isolated heavy falls/hailstorm is also expected at a few places during the forecasted period. Heavy rain may cause urban flooding in low lying areas during the forecasted period.
On Saturday Peshawar received a downpour after which many low lying areas of the city were left inundated for hours. Roads were turned into swamps and local residents faced great hardship resultantly.
On Tuesday, PDMA issued fresh alerts as the Regional Meteorological Department forecast rains starting from July 13 to 17 in most parts of the province.
According to a notification issued by PDMA, Met Office Peshawar has informed that a new spell of rains was starting for which people were urged to take all precautionary measures to avoid any loss of life, damages to infrastructure, crops and cattle.
Furthermore, all concerned authorities have been directed to take the safety measures to prevent damages during the urban flooding. Abbotabad, Chitral Upper and Lower, Dir Upper and Lower, Kohistan, Thorghar are expected the receive downpour.
The tourists have been informed about weather forecast, ensure availability of all emergency services staff and machineries and other resources, and all concerned line departments would remain vigilant in restoring road links. In case of any occurrence, updates may kindly be shared with PDMA, active round the clock via helpline 1700.
Provincial Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department, in collaboration with the Provincial PDMA has already finalized the Monsoon Contingency Plan 2023.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 16th, 2023.