PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has predicted intermittent rains, strong winds, and thunderstorms across most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the upper districts, from tonight until May 23. In light of this forecast, a high alert has been issued to all district administrations.
The PDMA expects heavy rains accompanied by winds and thunderstorms in areas such as Chitral Upper, Chitral Lower, Dir Upper, Dir Lower, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Kohistan Upper, Kohistan Lower, Kolai Palace, Battagram, Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Mohmand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Orakzai, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan. These rains are expected to provide temporary relief from the ongoing intense heat wave in the upper regions.
The PDMA spokesperson has warned of potential landslides in the upper districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Buner, Abbottabad, and Kohistan, due to heavy rainfall. There is also a risk of flooding in various rivers and potential urban flooding in cities. Strong winds and gales may damage weak buildings, electricity poles, and solar panels, and could adversely affect standing crops. Farmers are advised to take necessary protective measures.
The PDMA has instructed all district administrations and relevant institutions to implement preventive measures, keep rescue teams on standby, and ensure the availability of resources. Administrations are also directed to prepare machinery to keep major highways open, provide alternative routes to maintain traffic flow, and immediately complete the cleaning of drainage systems.
Tourists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated on weather conditions. The public is advised to stay away from floodwaters, rivers, and hazardous areas during heavy rainfall.
