ISLAMABAD: The Meteorology Department on Wednesday issued a forecast predicting the likelihood of monsoon rains across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the anticipated rainfall expected to start from Friday, September 15. In light of this prediction, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a directive to all district administrations to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks associated with heavy rains and strong winds.
The Director General of PDMA has emphasized the possibility of landslides occurring in the upper districts of the province. Additionally, there is a heightened probability of increased water flow in local and rainfed rivers, affecting regions such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, and Abbottabad.
Urban flooding is expected, particularly in urban centers such as Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan, Abbottabad, and other susceptible areas, due to the expected rainfall.
To prepare for these potential challenges, the district administration has been directed to ensure the availability of both small and large machinery for flood and rain drainage management. In the event of a storm, residents are urged to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from power lines, deteriorating buildings, structures, signboards, and billboards.
Guidelines for Tourists During Rains
In addition, the DG PDMA has issued specific guidance for tourists and residents in highland regions, advising them to stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary precautionary measures to ensure their safety.
The dissemination of weather-related information to the local population in local languages has also been highlighted as an essential task for the district administration in sensitive areas.
In case of road closures due to adverse weather conditions, authorities are instructed to provide alternative routes for traffic and proactively warn passengers traveling on provincial and national highways in vulnerable regions. Ensuring the safety and well-being of the local population is paramount during this period, and emergency services personnel are expected to be readily available.
The DG PDMA has urged tourists to remain vigilant and well-informed about the weather situation, particularly when traveling to sensitive areas. The emergency operation center of PDMA is fully operational and equipped to respond to any untoward incidents, with a dedicated hotline available for reporting emergencies at 1700. Authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all residents and visitors during the anticipated monsoon rains.
