SWAT: Traffic has resumed on Shaho Road in Upper Swat after authorities cleared debris caused by a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall, officials said.
Heavy machinery was used by the Upper Swat Development Authority in order to remove the mud and rocks that had obstructed the road.
The road was shut down due to heavy rains and fast-moving water from the glaciers, which led to the formation of debris on the road and blocked traffic for some time.
It is worth noting that traffic was also disrupted towards the popular tourist attraction Kalam.
KP on Weather Alert: Heavy Rains, Landslides and Flash Floods Forecast
Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather advisory warning of another spell of monsoon rains across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) from July 29 to August 5, raising concerns over flash floods, urban flooding and landslides in several parts of the province.
According to the PDMA, the onset of monsoons will start impacting the upper and central parts of the province since July 29 and the west weather system will increase from August 1, increasing the chances of rainfall.
The authority has instructed all district administrations to adopt preventive measures and prepare themselves against any eventuality in vulnerable areas.
There is an increased threat of landslides in the mountainous districts of Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, and Kohistan due to continuous rainfall in these areas. The local streams and water channels can also experience flash floods in these areas.
At the same time, there is an increased threat of urban flooding in the central and plain districts of Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera.
PDMA has alerted that severe wind and rainfalls could cause damages to weak buildings, electricity poles, and roadside hoardings. The concerned government departments have been directed to constantly monitor the rivers, streams, and rain-fed drains. District governments have been advised to be prepared with rescue teams and equipment in case of floods and landslides.
It also appealed to tourists and locals to stay away from traveling during extreme weather. Tourists have been informed to maintain a safe distance of minimum 20 feet from rivers and streams, do not enter into the flood water and also avoid trekking, hiking, and camping in the mountain areas during rainy weather.
PDMA stated that its Emergency Operations Center is working full-fledged and also suggested that people to contact its 24/7 toll-free helpline number 1700 in case of emergencies.
