Light to heavy rain begins in upper Hazara as more rain forecast till October 7

ABBOTTABAD, Oct 06 (APP):Light to heavy rain has started in various upper parts of Hazara Division, including Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram and Kohistan, bringing a noticeable drop in temperature, while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast further rain, strong winds and thunderstorms across the region from this evening/night till October 7.

According to the PDMA, rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra and Abbottabad. The rainfall is likely to lower daytime temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.

In view of the anticipated weather conditions, the PDMA has directed all district administrations to take precautionary measures and ensure continuous monitoring of rivers, streams and rainwater channels.

The authority has advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during rainfall and exercise extra caution. The public has also been urged to take shelter at safe places during thunderstorms and stay away from electricity wires, poles and other dangerous objects.

People have been advised not to enter or cross floodwater, while the relevant departments have been directed to take immediate measures to keep drainage systems clean and fully operational.

The PDMA has also directed authorities to ensure the availability of rescue personnel and necessary equipment to deal with any possible emergency.

The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is operating round the clock and monitoring the weather situation, the PDMA said.

The public can contact the PDMA helpline 1700 in case of any emergency, according to the PDMA spokesperson.