PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert to all district administrations, warning of rain, strong winds and thunderstorms across various parts of the province from July 24 to July 27.
According to the PDMA, there is a risk of landslides in the upper districts of Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra and Abbottabad. The authority also warned of possible flash floods in local streams and seasonal waterways in vulnerable areas.
A PDMA spokesperson said strong winds and lightning could damage standing crops, weak structures, electricity poles, signboards and solar panels.
The authority has directed all district administrations to implement precautionary measures in vulnerable areas, maintain continuous monitoring of rivers, streams and flood channels, and ensure that major highways remain open for traffic during the spell of rain.
The PDMA has also instructed Rescue 1122 to ensure the timely deployment of emergency response teams to deal with any untoward situation.
Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the rainy period and to stay away from rivers, streams and floodwaters. They have also been urged not to attempt crossing flooded roads or waterways.
The authority appealed to parents to keep children away from streams, stagnant water and open pits during the rains.
Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures to protect their crops, while livestock owners have been urged to move their animals to safer locations.
According to the PDMA, the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is monitoring the situation around the clock. Citizens can report any emergency through the authority’s toll-free helpline 1700.
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