Two people lost their lives and 11 were injured in rain-related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
The Met Office has forecast dust-thunderstorm and rain with occasional gaps in upper parts of the country till May 23.
According to the PDMA’s report, two deaths were reported in rain-related incidents last night from Mardan. Meanwhile, four people were injured in Battagram, one in Mardan and six in Swat.
Four houses – one in Battagram and three in Shangla – were fully damaged. Twenty-seven houses were partially damaged in Shangla, two in Swat, five in Torghar and one each in Upper Dir and Mardan, according to the report.
A school also suffered damage due to adverse weather in Shangla, the data showed.
According to the PDMA’s daily weather report, the highest amount of rainfall in KP over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kalam at 12mm, followed by 11 in Chitral, 8mm in Malam Jabba, 7mm in Saidu Sharif and Balakot, and 4mm each in Kakul and Mardan. Drosh received 2mm of rain while 1mm rain was recorded in Parachinar, Timergara, Mirkhani and Dir.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a high alert across upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after a new weather system entered the region, raising the risk of heavy rainfall, strong winds, flash floods and landslides.
According to the PDMA, six districts have been declared highly sensitive due to extreme weather conditions. It warned that rising temperatures and intense rainfall could trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in mountainous areas, potentially leading to sudden flooding.
The districts most at risk include Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper Dir, Upper Kohistan and Mansehra.
The PDMA has directed district administrations to remain on high alert, continuously monitor vulnerable glacial sites, activate community warning systems and ensure timely emergency alerts to minimize possible loss of life and property.
Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel near rivers, streams and mountainous routes. People living in low-lying areas have also been urged to stay alert and move to safer locations in case of emergencies.
In addition, local administrations have been instructed to conduct emergency drills, keep evacuation centers operational and ensure the availability of rescue teams and machinery.
The PDMA further advised citizens in sensitive areas to immediately move to safe locations if they notice sudden changes in water flow or hear unusual sounds of falling rocks or mudslides.