The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has issued an alert to concerned departments following the Met Office forecast of rain and windstorms across several districts of the province.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), from September 15 to 19, different parts of KP are likely to receive intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and windstorms, with heavy downpours expected at isolated locations.

The Met Office forecast further indicates that from September 16 to 19, districts including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, and North and South Waziristan may experience rain and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds.

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In addition, on September 18 and 19, heavy rains could increase water flow in local streams and rivers in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, and Mardan. PDMA has also warned of possible landslides in sensitive mountainous areas of Abbottabad, Battagram, Chitral, Dir, Khyber, Kohistan, Kolai Palas, Kurram, Malakand, Mansehra, Mohmand, Orakzai, Shangla, Swat, Torghar, and North Waziristan.

The advisory cautioned that strong winds and thunderstorms could damage weak structures, electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. District administrations have been directed to ensure drainage clearance, adopt precautionary measures, and launch public awareness campaigns.

Special instructions have been issued to farmers, livestock owners, and tourists to safeguard crops and animals and avoid visiting vulnerable areas. Emergency services have also been directed to ensure medical aid, food, and other essential supplies are available. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the spell of bad weather.

PDMA confirmed that the Emergency Operations Center is fully operational, and people can report emergencies or seek assistance 24/7 by calling the helpline 1700.