PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a weather advisory, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and lightning across most districts of the province on July 11 and 12.
According to the advisory, moist currents from the Arabian Sea combined with a westerly weather system are expected to trigger widespread rain in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Kurram, Orakzai, Khyber, Mohmand, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and North and South Waziristan.
The PDMA has warned that strong winds and lightning may damage weak structures, electricity poles, solar panels and billboards. The authority also cautioned about the risk of landslides in the hilly areas of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Kohistan and Abbottabad, while local streams and rivers may experience a rise in water levels. Urban flooding is also feared in low-lying areas of Swat, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera, with the possibility of flash floods in parts of Malakand and Hazara divisions.
The PDMA has directed all deputy commissioners, rescue agencies and relevant departments to remain on high alert, ensure emergency response teams, Rescue 1122 personnel, heavy machinery and essential staff are fully prepared, and keep drainage systems clear to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall.
The authority has advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to mountainous areas, rivers, streams and flood-prone locations during the forecast period. Residents have also been urged to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid standing under trees or near weak structures, keep children away from flowing water and take precautionary measures to protect crops and livestock.
The PDMA said all concerned departments have been instructed to ensure the availability of food, fuel and other essential supplies to facilitate timely relief operations in case of any emergency.
