PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert to all district administrations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a new weather system characterised by strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall is expected to enter the province from April 1 to April 4.
According to the PDMA, the impending spell is likely to bring rain and snowfall to the mountainous regions of Swat, Upper and Lower Chitral, Shangla, Upper and Lower Dir, Kohistan, Buner, Malakand, Battagram, Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur. Simultaneously, plain areas including Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, and the tribal districts of Kurram, Mohmand, Khyber, and Waziristan are expected to experience rain coupled with gusty winds.
The authority has warned of potential flash flooding in local rivers and canals due to the intensity of the downpour. There is also a significant risk of landslides in hilly terrains, prompting an advisory for tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to these areas during the forecast period. Furthermore, the PDMA cautioned that strong winds and lightning could pose a threat to weak structures, solar panels, and electricity poles.
In response to these risks, Rescue 1122 and other relevant relief institutions have been placed on standby to manage any emergencies. District administrations have been directed to ensure all precautionary measures are in place, while citizens are urged to remain in safe locations and exercise extreme caution during the stormy weather.
