PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Friday issued a high alert to all district administrations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, predicting a fresh wave of rains, strong winds, and thunderstorms starting from May 2 until May 4.
According to the PDMA, the weather system is expected to bring rain and hail to the upper districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Buner, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. Simultaneously, heavy rain and wind are forecasted for central and southern regions, including Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Kohat, Kurram, Orakzai, Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, D.I. Khan, and Tank.
The authority warned that the rainfall may trigger landslides in the upper districts and flooding in various rivers and canals. Due to the intensity of the precipitation, urban flooding is highly likely in the plains of Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera, prompting the PDMA to advise citizens to exercise extreme caution. Furthermore, strong winds and hailstorms pose a significant risk to weak buildings, electricity poles, and solar panels. Farmers throughout the province have also been urged to take immediate protective measures to safeguard their standing crops from potential damage.
In response to these threats, the PDMA has directed district administrations to take proactive preventive measures, prepare rescue teams, and ensure the availability of necessary resources. Instructions have been issued to keep important highways open, maintain traffic flow, and provide alternative routes where necessary. Relevant institutions have been tasked with cleaning drainage systems to prevent urban flooding, while tourists are being kept informed of weather conditions and advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
The general public is strongly advised to stay away from floodwaters, rivers, and other dangerous locations during the heavy rains.
