Rain, Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a fresh weather advisory predicting widespread rain, thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds across multiple districts starting from Tuesday evening (June 11) and continuing intermittently until Saturday (June 15).

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has reported that a westerly weather system is approaching the region and is expected to strengthen, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall to several areas of the province. The districts expected to be affected include:

Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North and South Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan.

PDMA has directed all Deputy Commissioners and district administrations to remain on high alert and activate emergency response mechanisms in vulnerable areas. They have been instructed to:

• Ensure availability of dewatering pumps and light/heavy machinery to clear roads in case of landslides or urban flooding.
• Issue timely warnings in local languages to maximize outreach and public awareness.
• Coordinate with rescue services and hospitals for emergency preparedness.

Citizens, especially those living in mountainous and flood-prone regions, have been advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, nullahs (streams), electric poles, and billboards during thunderstorms.
• Make sure to fasten or bring inside any loose outdoor items and stay indoors during severe weather conditions for safety.
• Farmers are encouraged to take precautionary measures to protect standing crops and schedule activities accordingly.
• Tourists planning trips to northern areas have been strongly advised to check weather and road conditions in advance and delay travel if necessary.

The PDMA Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains fully functional around the clock and continues to monitor the weather situation closely. Citizens can contact the PDMA helpline 1700 for real-time updates and emergency assistance.