PESHAWAR: Pakistan Meteorological Department PMD and NDMA have predicted stormy weather for the upper and central areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from June 17 to 20.
Dust storms, strong winds, and thunderstorms are expected across the province due to westerly waves and moist winds coming from the Arabian Sea. Heavy rain and hail are also possible at some places.
According to PMD, rain and storms will continue across KP, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, DI Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, North and South Waziristan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, and Kurram on June 17 and 18. Landslide and flood situation feared
The NDMA has issued an alert saying that the risk of landslides has increased in mountainous areas due to heavy rain. At the same time, there is a fear of glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) due to rapid melting of glaciers, which may cause a sudden rise in water level in rivers and canals of Gilgit-Baltistan and the northern districts of KP.
The Met Office has directed tourists to postpone non-essential travel to Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Galiat, Mansehra, and other tourist destinations till June 20. Stay away from weak structures, billboards, and electricity poles, as there is a risk of damage due to strong winds and hailstorms.
According to officials, low-lying areas in urban areas are also likely to be inundated. The district administration is on high alert and has emergency response teams ready.
Read also: Heavy rains may trigger flash floods, landslides: NDMA
