Heavy downpours wreak havoc in Dir
Torrential rains battered Upper Dir on Saturday, causing infrastructure damage and claiming a child's life.
Heavy downpour lashed on the areas of Kohistan in Upper Dir, including Jahaz Banda, Lamoti, Badgoi, and Jandri, triggering flash floods in streams and the Kohistan River.
The intense rainfall swept away at least three key bridges in Jahaz Banda, Lamoti, Jandri and nearby areas, severing road links and isolating local communities.
Residents resorted to road repairs on a self-help basis amid the destruction.
Several houses, fertile farmlands, and link roads were washed away in the floods. Kumrat Road was also inundated at various points, leaving scores of tourists stranded. Long queues of vehicles were seen along damaged sections of the route.
Floodwaters entered Patraak Bazaar, inundating shops and homes, causing substantial losses to both residents and traders. Multiple hydropower units were also swept away, resulting in power outages in several areas. Crops and fruit orchards were severely affected by the cloudburst.
Dir Bala Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Fayaz along with local police reached the affected areas and launched relief and recovery operations.
Speaking to the media, he said temporary restoration of roads and bridges will be ensured as soon as possible to facilitate movement and aid.
It is pertinent to mention that National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an impact-based advisory warning of an intense heatwave from June 18 to 22, urging the public to take precautionary measures to minimise health risks.
The heatwave is expected to severely affect parts of southern Punjab, Sindh, eastern Balochistan, and southern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, according to the advisory issued by NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) on Wednesday.
"High-pressure systems in the upper atmosphere are likely to persist, leading to extreme temperatures, particularly in Jacobabad, Dadu, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur and Nawabshah," the advisory stated. Daytime temperatures are forecast to soar between 46°C and 48°C.
In Punjab, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur are likely to be hit hard, while Sibi, Nasirabad, Dera Murad Jamali, and Jaffarabad in Balochistan, and Tank, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan in KP will also experience extreme heat.
The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity, especially between 11am and 4pm, wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing, and stay hydrated.
"Do not leave children or the elderly unattended in parked vehicles," the advisory added, stressing the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals.
The NDMA is monitoring the situation closely and is coordinating with relevant provincial and local authorities. Citizens have been encouraged to follow updates from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), NDMA, and local disaster management authorities.
Any emergencies should be reported to local helplines or Provincial Disaster Management Authority control rooms.