Rain, thunderstorm predicted in KP till Mar 16, PDMA issues alert

PESHAWAR, Mar 13 (APP): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert forecasting rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms in most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Friday night until the morning of March 16.

According to the PDMA Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, all district administrations have been placed on alert in view of the expected weather conditions.

Rain and snowfall over mountains are likely in the upper districts of Chitral Upper, Chitral Lower, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Buner and Malakand. Meanwhile, heavy rain may also trigger landslides in Kohistan Upper, Kohistan Lower, Kolai-Palas, Shangla, Battagram and Torghar.

The authority also forecast rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms in Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur, advising residents to take precautionary measures.

Rain and windstorms are also expected in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram and Karak, while district administrations have been directed to remain prepared for any emergency situation.

In Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera and Peshawar, there is a possibility of urban flooding due to rain and strong winds.

Rain accompanied by thunderstorms and a drop in temperature is also expected in Kohat, Hangu, Bannu and Lakki Marwat, while Dera Ismail Khan, North Waziristan and South Waziristan (Upper and Lower) may experience rain and strong winds that could cause flash floods in local streams.

PDMA said temperatures across the province are likely to drop by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius due to the rains.

The authority has directed all districts to keep rescue teams, machinery and emergency services on alert. Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous and landslide-prone areas.

Citizens have also been advised to stay away from open spaces, weak structures, electricity poles and signboards during strong winds.

Rescue 1122 and district administrations have been directed to remain fully prepared to deal with any emergency situation.

The PDMA Emergency Operations Centre remains fully operational and citizens can report any untoward incident on the helpline 1700, a PDMA spokesperson said.