Flood Warning Issued for Parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as Heavy Rains Forecast
By Bilal Haider :
Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have issued a flood advisory for several districts as heavy rainfall is expected to raise water levels in major rivers over the coming days.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Monday that the Kabul River at Nowshera could experience low to medium-level flooding between 7 and 8 April. The warning was circulated to deputy commissioners across the province following the latest assessment by the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
According to the advisory, flash floods may also occur in tributaries connected to the Kabul River, including Kohat Toi as well as the Kurram and Gomal rivers. Officials warned that intense rainfall could also trigger urban flooding in the cities of Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera during the same period.
District administrations have been instructed to take precautionary measures to prevent loss of life and minimise potential damage to infrastructure, crops and livestock. Authorities were advised to identify vulnerable areas and communities at risk while strengthening monitoring systems to respond quickly to any emergency.
The PDMA also asked emergency services, including Rescue 1122 and civil defence units, to remain on high alert and ensure that personnel and rescue equipment are ready for deployment, particularly in high-risk locations.
Residents living along the banks of the Kabul River and nearby waterways have been urged to remain cautious and stay informed about possible increases in water flow. Officials said vulnerable populations in low-lying areas should be evacuated promptly according to established safety plans, with arrangements made for shelter, food and medical assistance if needed.
Local authorities have also been advised to limit vehicle movement in flood-prone areas, especially near the river and its associated channels.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rain, windstorms and thunderstorms across much of the province from 6 to 9 April, with snowfall expected in mountainous regions. Areas likely to be affected include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kurram and several tribal districts.
The latest warning comes after a spell of severe weather that has already caused significant casualties. The PDMA said that since 25 March at least 45 people have died and more than 100 others have been injured in rain-related incidents across the province.
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