Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Hit Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Flash Flooding and Landslides Feared

Strategic Insights -

Residents in several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have been warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issuing flood alerts for rivers and local streams due to concerns of potential landslides in hilly regions. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported 63 deaths in rain-related incidents across the country within a week, with the province recording the highest number of casualties. Early morning showers and strong winds have brought relief from intense heat, but the weather is expected to persist over the next few days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms across several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), including Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Battagram, Shangla, and Kohistan.
  • The PMD has forecast similar weather conditions for Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kurram, and Mohmand, as well as Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Chitral, Khyber, and Orakzai.
  • The PMD has warned of possible flooding in the Kabul, Swat, and Panjkora rivers, and flash flooding in local streams in Swabi, Mardan, Mansehra, Kohistan, Dir, Swat, and Shangla.
  • Landslides are feared in mountainous areas, which could disrupt road links and pose safety hazards for residents and travellers.
  • Temperatures recorded across K-P during the current weather activity included 38°C in Peshawar, 42°C in both Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu, 39°C in Chitral, and 29°C in Kalam.
  • Malam Jabba remained the coolest, with a recorded temperature of 25°C.
  • Residents have been advised to remain cautious and follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.

Statistics:

  • 63 deaths reported in rain-related incidents across the country within a week.
  • 21 deaths reported in Punjab since June 26.
  • 15 deaths reported in Sindh.
  • 5 deaths reported in Balochistan.
  • 38°C - highest temperature recorded in Peshawar.
  • 42°C - highest temperature recorded in Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu.
  • 39°C - highest temperature recorded in Chitral.
  • 29°C - highest temperature recorded in Kalam.
  • 25°C - lowest temperature recorded in Malam Jabba.

Sources:

  • Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
  • Dawn News