The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a weather advisory warning of strong winds, thunderstorms, intermittent rainfall, and hailstorms across Shangla and several upper districts of the province from June 2 to June 5. The authority has urged all district administrations and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert.
Heatwave Conditions Precede Storms
The warning comes amid rising temperatures in Shangla and surrounding areas, where a prolonged dry spell and absence of rainfall have led to heatwave-like conditions in recent days, causing concern among residents and farmers alike.
Affected Districts
According to a statement issued by the PDMA, widespread rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms is expected in several northern and mountainous districts, including Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Buner, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. The authority has also forecast heavy rainfall and hailstorms at isolated locations in these regions.
The weather system is expected to affect a large part of the province. Rain and windstorms have also been predicted in Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Kohat, Kurram, Orakzai, Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, and Tank districts.
Landslide and Flash Flood Risks
PDMA officials warned that continuous rainfall could trigger landslides and flash floods in the mountainous areas of Shangla, Swat, Dir, Chitral, Malakand, Buner, Abbottabad, and Kohistan. Local streams, seasonal waterways, and small rivers may experience sudden surges in water levels, posing risks to nearby settlements, agricultural lands, and road infrastructure.
The authority further cautioned that urban flooding could occur in low-lying areas of Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera if heavy rainfall persists. Relevant departments and municipal authorities have been directed to ensure the functionality of drainage systems and complete all precautionary measures in advance.
Infrastructure and Agricultural Concerns
According to the PDMA spokesperson, strong winds and hailstorms may damage weak and vulnerable houses, electricity transmission infrastructure, trees, and solar panels in affected areas. The authority also expressed concern that standing crops, fruit orchards, and vegetable farms across the province could suffer losses due to adverse weather conditions. Farmers have been advised to take preventive measures to safeguard their crops, orchards, and agricultural assets from potential storm-related damage.
Emergency Preparedness
The disaster management authority has directed district administrations, Rescue 1122 teams, and all relevant departments to ensure the availability of emergency personnel, machinery, and other necessary resources to respond effectively to any emergency situation.
