PDMA sounds high alert in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over flash flood threat

Peshawar: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert for various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following continuous heavy rainfall, warning of potential flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides.

According to the PDMA notification, upper districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad are at high risk of landslides, while plain areas such as Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, and Mardan may experience urban flooding due to water accumulation.

Lower areas of Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan are particularly vulnerable to urban flooding. Additionally, strong winds and thunderstorms have raised concerns about lightning strikes in affected regions.

PDMA has urged the public and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to northern districts. People have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, and water channels during the ongoing spell of heavy rains.

Local administrations, police, Rescue 1122, and other relevant departments have been instructed to remain on high alert and take pre-emptive measures. Sensitive areas have been advised to keep emergency supplies such as clean water, dry food, flashlights, and first-aid kits.

Tourist entry into high-risk areas has been temporarily restricted. Authorities have also been directed to deploy additional resources, monitor traffic at dangerous locations, and ensure proper drainage systems are cleared to reduce the risk of urban flooding.

Precautionary instructions issued by the authorities emphasize the need for proactive measures to ensure safety during adverse weather conditions. Citizens are advised to remove or secure billboards, electric poles, and solar panels to prevent accidents.

Farmers should harvest crops in a timely manner and store them safely, while livestock must be relocated to safer areas. Travelers on highways should be alerted and provided with alternate routes to avoid high-risk zones. People are urged to seek shelter in sturdy buildings during storms, and emergency services must remain active in vulnerable areas.

It is essential to stockpile necessary goods and medicines in preparation for potential disruptions. Authorities stress the importance of disseminating warnings and advisories in local languages for better outreach. Public gatherings in tourist areas should be avoided, along with risky activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming in rivers.

Special care should be taken to keep children away from ditches and water bodies, and crossing flooded bridges or submerged roads must be strictly avoided. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reiterated the importance of staying informed, following official guidelines, and reporting any emergencies without delay.