PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert in view of the expected rains, wind and heavy rain in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and has directed all district administrations to take precautionary measures.
According to the PDMA, intermittent strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain are likely in Upper and Lower Dir, Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Kohistan (Upper and Lower), Kolai Palace, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand and other districts from October 2 to 7.
The agency said that during the same period, there is a possibility of heavy rain and wind in Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, North and South Waziristan, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
Due to heavy rain, local rivers and springs may overflow in Upper and Lower Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan, while landslides are expected to block roads in mountainous areas.
The PDMA has warned in a letter that there is a risk of damage to weak structures, electricity poles, advertisement boards and solar panels due to strong winds and thunderstorms.
The agency has directed the district administration to ensure cleaning of the drainage system, timely awareness to the public, tourists and travellers, and advance preparation for any emergency. Farmers and livestock keepers have also been directed to shift crops and animals to safe places.
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The PDMA has directed the relevant agencies to ensure the provision of emergency services, medical aid, food and other essential items. The public has also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather.
The organisation’s Emergency Operations Centre is fully operational 24 hours a day, and the public can contact the 1700 helpline for any emergency information or assistance.
