DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to all district administrations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ahead of the first spell of monsoon rains, expected to begin on July 1, warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and urban flooding in various parts of the province.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a westerly weather system will enter the upper parts of the province on the evening of June 30 and combine with moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, triggering widespread rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms from July 1 to 5.
The forecast covers most districts, including Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Mohmand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Orakzai, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, North Waziristan and South Waziristan, with heavy rainfall expected at isolated places.
The PDMA warned that heavy rain could trigger landslides in the upper districts from July 2 to 6 and cause flash floods in local streams and nullahs between July 2 and 5.
It also cautioned that urban flooding was likely in Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swat and Abbottabad from July 2 to 4.
Strong winds and lightning may damage vulnerable structures, electricity poles, solar panels and standing crops, the authority said.
The PDMA directed district administrations to keep rescue teams, emergency services and heavy machinery on high alert, closely monitor vulnerable areas, ensure the clearance of drainage systems and complete all precautionary arrangements.
Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas, while farmers and livestock owners have been urged to take preventive measures to minimise potential losses.
The authority said citizens could contact its toll-free emergency helpline, 1700, in case of any emergency.
