DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert warning of intermittent rains, thunderstorms and strong winds in most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from May 10 to 12, urging authorities to take precautionary measures to avert possible losses.
According to the PDMA, heavy rainfall is expected in upper districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Buner, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra and Abbottabad.
Rain accompanied by windstorms and thunderstorms is also likely in Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Kohat, Kurram, Orakzai, Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank.
The authority warned that heavy rainfall could trigger landslides in upper districts and cause flooding in rivers and canals in several areas. Flash floods are feared in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Buner, Abbottabad and Kohistan.
The PDMA also cautioned about possible urban flooding in low-lying areas of Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera, advising residents to remain vigilant during the forecast period.
Strong winds and hailstorms may damage weak structures, electricity poles and solar panels, while standing crops across the province could also be affected. Farmers have been advised to take protective measures to minimise losses.
The PDMA directed district administrations to take advance measures, prepare rescue teams and ensure the availability of emergency resources. Authorities were also instructed to keep major highways open, maintain traffic flow and arrange alternative routes where necessary.
Relevant departments have been asked to clean drainage systems to prevent urban flooding, while tourists and residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather.
The public has been urged to stay away from floodwaters, rivers and other dangerous areas during heavy rains.
According to the PDMA spokesperson, the authority’s Emergency Operations Centre is fully functional and citizens can report emergencies by calling the helpline 1700.
