PDMA sounds high alert for K-P rains

Heavy downpours, landslide threats prompt warnings to residents

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert following the Meteorological Department's forecast of intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and windstorms across the province from September 15 to 19, with heavy downpours expected in some areas.

According to the PDMA advisory, from September 16 to 19, upper districts including Upper and Lower Dir, Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, and North and South Waziristan may experience heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.

The PDMA warned that from September 18 to 19, heavy rainfall could cause a rise in water flows in streams and rivers of Dir, Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, and Mardan. The authority also cautioned against possible landslides in sensitive mountainous areas of Abbottabad, Battagram, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Khyber, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Kurram, Malakand, Mansehra, Mohmand, Orakzai, Shangla, Swat, Torghar, and North Waziristan.

The advisory further highlighted that strong winds and lightning may damage vulnerable houses, electricity poles, billboards, and solar panels. District administrations have been directed to take precautionary measures, ensure proper drainage, and keep local residents, travelers, and tourists informed.

Special instructions were also issued for farmers, livestock owners, and tourists. Farmers and herders have been advised to shift crops and animals to safer locations, while tourists have been urged to avoid risky spots during the spell of bad weather.