At least 24 people have died and 17 others have been injured in various rain-related incidents over the past three days in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The PDMA has warned that more rainfall is expected in the coming days.
The PDMA, along with district administrations and rescue teams, is actively engaged in rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. Recent reports indicate that 18 people have died, and several houses, bridges, and roads have been damaged or destroyed due to the heavy rains.
Since July 29, the monsoon rains have led to severe downpours across the province. The PDMA’s report states that 73 houses have been completely destroyed, while 77 others have suffered partial damage in Kohat, Peshawar, DI Khan, Hazara, and Malakand divisions.
A new alert from the PDMA predicts another round of monsoon rains starting today and continuing until August 6. The upcoming weather system is expected to bring heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning to Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Waziristan, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan.
The PDMA has cautioned commuters about the risk of landslides in hilly areas, which could disrupt traffic. Additionally, the authority has advised the provincial administration to remain vigilant for potential issues arising from dusty winds, thunderstorms, and lightning.
Residents are urged to avoid power pylons, unstable structures, and billboards. The PDMA has set up a helpline at 1700 for reporting any natural disasters and confirmed that its emergency operation center is fully operational.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted widespread monsoon rains across the country from August 1 to 6, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy falls. The affected regions include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar are expected to remain mostly partly cloudy, though rain is also anticipated there from August 3 to 6, with occasional breaks.
