PESHAWAR – The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a warning about potential flash floods across multiple districts, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours.
According to the weather advisory issued on July 24 at 10:50 PST, partly cloudy and humid conditions will prevail across much of the province. However, scattered thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning are likely in both settled and tribal districts, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Dir, and Waziristan.
Heavy Showers Raise Alarm
The Met Office predicts isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall that may trigger flash floods in local rivers, canals, and nullahs in vulnerable areas such as Chitral, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Kohistan, and Khyber. Urban flooding remains a high risk for major cities like Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Mardan, while landslides are possible in upper and hilly districts.
Rainfall figures recorded in the last 24 hours show Takht Bai in Mardan receiving the highest precipitation at 68mm, followed by Ghalanai (Mohmand) with 5mm and multiple areas recording light showers including Peshawar Airport, Balakot, and Dir.
Precautionary Measures Urged
PDMA has advised residents and local authorities to remain alert. Windstorms and lightning may damage infrastructure such as solar panels, electric poles, and vehicles. Vulnerable areas are being monitored closely, and the public is encouraged to report emergencies via PDMA KP’s 1700 helpline.
Meanwhile, the highest temperature recorded yesterday was 38°C in Mirkhani, while air quality remained poor in Peshawar (AQI 151) but moderate to good in other areas including Haripur (53) and D.I. Khan (13).
As the province braces for worsening weather conditions, the PDMA continues to coordinate with district administrations for emergency response readiness. Residents in at-risk zones are urged to avoid travel through mountainous terrain during rainfall and to stay away from water channels.
Authorities reiterate that collective preparedness is essential to prevent loss of life and property. All eyes remain on the situation as KP enters a critical window of heightened vulnerability to flash floods.
