PDMA Issues Weather Alert for Widespread Rain and Snowfall Across KP
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast widespread rain and snowfall across most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from March 17 to 20, urging authorities and the public to adopt precautionary measures. According to a PDMA advisory, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected across the province, while upper regions are likely to receive snowfall. The weather is also expected to remain cloudy during the upcoming Eid days.
Formal Alert Issued to District Administrations
The PDMA has issued a formal alert to all district administrations, directing them to remain vigilant and take preemptive measures in view of the anticipated weather conditions. As per the notification, intermittent rain with thunderstorms and snowfall over mountainous areas is expected in Upper and Lower Dir, Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, and Mohmand districts.
Rain Forecast for Additional Districts
Similarly, rain is also forecast in Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, North and South Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan. The advisory warned of possible landslides in vulnerable districts, including Abbottabad, Battagram, Buner, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Khyber, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Kurram, Malakand, Mansehra, Mohmand, Orakzai, Shangla, Swat, Torghar, and North Waziristan.
Risks and Precautionary Measures
It also highlighted the risk of lightning strikes at sensitive locations due to thunderstorms and strong winds. The PDMA has directed authorities to ensure necessary precautionary measures, including clearing drainage systems and providing timely information to local communities, tourists, and travelers.
