PESHAWAR: A powerful weather system is set to bring widespread rain-windstorms and thunderstorms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with snowfall expected over high mountain ranges.
The forecast covers nearly all districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Hazara division, Peshawar, and the southern belts of Kohat, Bannu, and D.I. Khan. Additionally, isolated hailstorms and heavy rainfall may impact the southern districts of the province.
Authorities have issued a stern warning regarding the potential for landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas. Due to the intensity of the expected heavy rains, flash floods are anticipated in local streams and nullahs. Furthermore, windstorms and lightning strikes pose a risk to standing crops and weak structures, such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Tourists and travellers are strongly advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during this period.
Data from the last 24 hours shows significant precipitation already hitting the province, with Parachinar recording 42mm, followed by Risalpur at 38mm and Peshawar at 27mm. While D.I. Khan recorded the highest maximum temperature yesterday at 30°C, the mercury dropped significantly elsewhere, with Nathia Gali recording the lowest minimum temperature at 01°C. Residents are urged to stay informed as the system continues to move through the region.
Casualties in rain-related incidents
The heavy rains that have been ongoing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the past two weeks have wreaked havoc. A total of 47 people have died due to roofs and walls collapsing as a result of the rains, while 117 have been injured, and 98 houses have been destroyed.
According to the report issued by the PDMA on the loss of life and property, 21 people have died, and 40 people have been injured due to the rains that have been ongoing for the past four days.
The total number of deaths includes 27 children, 13 men and 7 women, while the injured include 45 men, 21 women and 51 children.
A total of 652 houses have been damaged due to the rains. In which 554 houses were partially destroyed, while 98 houses were destroyed. These incidents occurred in various districts of the province, including Bannu, Abbottabad, Mardan, Bajaur, Hangu, Mohmand, Kohat, North Waziristan, Peshawar, Khyber, Nowshera, Dera Ismail Khan, Karam, Lakki Marwat, Shangla, Battagram, Lower Kohistan, Mansehra, Torghar, Swat, Upper Dir, Charsadda, Buner, Malakand, Lower Dir, Orakzai, South Waziristan and Tank.
PDMA, Rescue 1122, district administration and related agencies are in touch with each other and relief activities are ongoing. PDMA has dispatched relief supplies to the affected districts. The administrations of the affected districts have been directed to provide relief supplies to the affected people as soon as possible.
This series of rains in various districts of the province is likely to continue till April 9.
Due to the rains, there is a risk of low to moderate flooding at the Kabul River and Nowshera, while there is also a risk of flooding in the rivers and canals connected to the Kabul River.
