PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Friday warned of another spell of heavy rain starting over the weekend as the total nationwide death toll during the ongoing monsoon season hit 38.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were forecast across most districts from July 19 to July 23, urging emergency services to stay on high alert and deploy rescue teams, relief supplies and machinery to vulnerable areas.
According to the latest monsoon situation report compiled by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), KP accounts for 23 of Pakistan’s total monsoon-related deaths since the season began in late June.
“There is a risk of landslides in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra and Abbottabad,” the PDMA said in a statement.
“Flash floods and surging water levels are expected in hill torrents and streams,” it added. “The public has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel.”
The statement also warned of possible urban flooding in Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Swat and Abbottabad, while strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable houses, electricity poles, billboards and standing crops.
Tourists were advised to stay away from rivers, streams and hill torrents during the adverse weather, while farmers and livestock owners were urged to take precautionary measures to protect crops and animals.
The PDMA also advised the public not to cross flooded roads, bridges or rain-fed streams during heavy rainfall and asked citizens to report emergencies through its toll-free helpline.
