Peshawar: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued an advisory alerting all district administrations to prepare for possible flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides as a new spell of monsoon rains is expected to hit the province from July 5 to 11.
According to the PDMA, moist currents have started penetrating most parts of the province and are likely to intensify over the coming days. Additionally, a westerly wave is expected to enter the region by the evening of July 5, triggering widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts isolated and scattered heavy rainfall in several districts, including Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Battagram, Kohistan, Torghar, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, and the merged tribal districts.
Heavy to very heavy rains may cause flash flooding in streams and nullahs, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas such as Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Malakand. Urban flooding is also expected in Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Peshawar, and Dera Ismail Khan. Riverine flooding is likely in the Chitral, Swat, Panjkora, and Kabul rivers.
The advisory warns of potential landslides in vulnerable hilly regions, which may lead to road blockages in districts such as Abbottabad, Battagram, Shangla, Orakzai, and North Waziristan.
The PDMA has instructed all deputy commissioners to take precautionary measures to minimize risks to life, property, and livestock. Authorities have been urged to ensure readiness of emergency response teams, monitor river and drainage levels, and keep urban drainage systems clear of obstructions.
The advisory also calls for securing vulnerable infrastructure, including billboards, under-construction buildings, electric poles, and solar panels, to avoid damage from wind and lightning. The PDMA emphasized the importance of alerting travelers and tourists, particularly in high-risk areas, and coordinating with traffic and law enforcement agencies to manage routes and ensure safety.
Residents, farmers, and herders have also been asked to take protective measures for their crops and animals, and to avoid exposed or unstable areas during storms.
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