PESHAWAR: Heavy rain accompanied by windstorms and thundershowers lashed several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern areas on Saturday, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of flash floods, landslides and urban flooding in vulnerable regions from July 18 to 25.
According to the Met Office, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously penetrating upper and central parts of the country and are likely to strengthen over the weekend. A western disturbance is expected to approach on Monday, further increasing rainfall activity.
For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the PMD said rain, windstorms and thundershowers with scattered heavy to very heavy falls are expected from the evening of July 20 to July 23.
Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner and Kohat.
Other districts including Kurram, DI Khan, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu are also likely to experience similar weather.
The PMD warned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of KP and Gilgit-Baltistan. Authorities also cautioned about urban flooding risks in parts of KP.
Earlier, the NDMA had warned that rainfall coupled with rising temperatures could trigger flood-like conditions in parts of KP and Gilgit-Baltistan. Areas including Ghizer, Skardu and Shigar have been identified as being at heightened risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
The KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed district administrations in sensitive areas to remain on high alert, ensure rescue teams, machinery and emergency personnel are ready, and warn vulnerable communities in time.
The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, rivers, streams and vulnerable tourist spots.
Authorities have urged citizens to follow official weather advisories and avoid visiting sensitive tourist locations during the wet spell.
Read also:PMD forecasts cloudy weather in Islamabad and Northern KP
