Peshawar:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) published an alert following forecasts from the weather department for intermittent rains, thunderstorms and heavy showers in different parts of the province from August 28 to September 2.
All district administrations and online services were responsible for staying on high alert.
According to the PDMA, the heavy rains can trigger sudden floods in local rivers, seasonal draws and rivers in the upper and central districts, notably Galiyat, Manshra, Kohistan (upper and lower), Kolai-Palas, Abbotbad, Karak, Chitral, Hangu, Hangu, Haripur, Haripur Swat, Shangla, Khyber, Kohat, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Malakand, Mohmand, Orakzai, Bannu, North and South Waziristan and Tank.
The authority has also warned possible landslides in hilly regions and urban floods in low cities. Strong winds and lightning can also damage weak structures, electricity posts, display panels and solar panels.
The PDMA asked the district administrations to ensure precautionary measures, clean drainage systems and provide timely information to local residents, tourists and travelers.
Farmers and breeding owners were invited to move crops and animals to safer places, while tourists were invited to avoid visiting risky areas during the forecast period.
The relevant services have been directed to ensure the availability of emergency services, medical aid, food and other essential supplies. The public was invited to avoid unnecessary trips in bad weather.
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The PDMA emergency operations center is fully functional. Citizens can point out urgently or request help by contacting the PDMA 24/7 assistance line at 1700.
According to the province Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), heavy rains and sudden floods in KP since August 15 have made at least 406 lives and injured in 245 others.
The victims include 305 men, 55 women and 46 children, while the wounded include 179 men, 38 women and 30 children. In addition, the rains and torrential floods damaged 3,526 houses, with 2,945 partially destroyed and 577 completely demolished.
Buner recorded the greatest number of deaths with 337 deaths, followed by Sawabi with a number of deaths of 46. Victims were reported to Swat, Biner, Bajaur, Manshra, Shangla, Lower Dir, Battagram, Di Khan and Sawabi.
The authorities of the affected districts were invited to accelerate rescue operations and provide immediate assistance to the victims. The PDMA and the relevant agencies remain in contact and closely follow the situation.
The emergency operations center remains fully operational. Residents can report emergencies or request updates via the free assistance line 1700.
