PDMA issues alert for heavy rain, flashfloods and hailstorms across KP

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Saturday issued an alert to district administrations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning of strong winds, thunderstorms and intermittent rain in most parts of the province from April 10 to April 12.

The PDMA said that heavy rain and hailstorms were expected in the upper districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Buner, Malakand, Battagaram, Mansehra and Abbottabad.

It said that rain and windstorms are also forecast for Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Kohat, Kurram, Orakzai, Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan and Tank.

The PDMA warned that heavy rain could trigger landslides in upper districts and cause swelling in streams and nullahs in several areas.

It said there was a risk of flash flooding in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Buner, Abbottabad and Kohistan.

The authority also warned of possible urban flooding in Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera, urging residents to take precautionary measures.

According to the alert, strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak structures, electricity poles and solar panels, while standing crops across the province may also be affected. Farmers were advised to take preventive measures.

District administrations had been directed to ensure preparedness of rescue teams, availability of resources, and uninterrupted traffic flow by keeping key highways open and providing alternative routes where needed.

The PDMA also instructed relevant authorities to clear drainage systems to minimise the risk of urban flooding and advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.

It said that the emergency operation centre remained fully functional and asked the public to report any emergency by calling the PDMA helpline at 1700.