Rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms has been forecast in most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from tonight until the morning of March 16. In this regard, the Provincial Emergency Operation Centre of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to all district administrations.

According to the PDMA, rain is expected in the upper districts including Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Buner, and Malakand, while snowfall is also likely in mountainous areas.

The authority warned that heavy rainfall in Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Shangla, Battagram, and Torghar may trigger landslides.

Also Read : Met Office predicts rain, thunderstorms in upper KP as cloudy weather continues

According to the PDMA, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur are also expected to experience rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, and citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures.

Similarly, rain and windstorms are expected in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, and Karak, while district administrations have been directed to remain prepared to deal with any emergency situation.

The PDMA also warned of possible urban flooding due to rain and strong winds in Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, and Peshawar.

Rain accompanied by thunderstorms and a drop in temperature is also expected in Kohat, Hangu, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat. Meanwhile, heavy rain and strong winds may cause flooding in streams and seasonal rivers in Dera Ismail Khan, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan (Upper and Lower).

According to the PDMA, the rainfall may cause temperatures to drop by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.

The authority has directed all districts to keep rescue teams, machinery, and emergency services on alert.

PDMA has also advised tourists and travelers to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous areas and landslide-prone locations. Citizens have been instructed to stay away from open areas, weak buildings, electricity poles, and signboards during strong winds and storms.