Flash Floods
Heavy rain and hailstorms struck several districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab on Thursday, damaging property, threatening standing crops, and prompting flash flood warnings from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The intense weather activity, driven by a strong westerly system, is expected to persist until April 20, raising concerns across northern Pakistan.
In KP, widespread rainfall and hailstorms were reported in key districts such as Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Haripur, Landi Kotal, Malakand, and Swat. Chitral, in particular, experienced flood-like conditions following relentless downpours, while Landi Kotal witnessed significant vehicle damage as large hailstones shattered windshields near the Torkham border.
The PMD has forecast continued heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hail in various northern districts, including Dir, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Torghar, Battagram, Abbottabad, Mohmand, and Bajaur. A flood alert remains in place for River Kabul and its tributaries, with authorities warning of further intensification.
In response, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed all district administrations and emergency services to remain on high alert. The sudden onset of hailstorms has raised alarms for farmers, as standing crops are now at risk of significant damage across affected regions.
Punjab also faced the brunt of the weather, with Lahore, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, and Rawalpindi receiving heavy rain and hail. In Sheikhupura, a tragic incident occurred when lightning struck a field, killing one person and injuring another.
Two individuals were also injured in Faisalabad due to storm-related incidents. Chiniot experienced intermittent showers throughout the day.
Further north in Gilgit-Baltistan, snowfall returned to the mountainous areas of Ghizer and surrounding regions, leading to a sharp dip in temperatures.
Meanwhile, Balochistan is bracing for rainfall and gusty winds, with the PDMA advising citizens and local governments to implement precautionary safety measures.
The National Emergency Operations Centre has issued a nationwide alert, warning of potential damage to infrastructure, including electricity poles, trees, rooftops, and solar panels.
Authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation closely as the weather system is expected to peak over the weekend, potentially causing further disruptions and hazards.
