Peshawar:
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) (PDMA) has issued an alert after the prognosis of the intermittent rainy department, electric storms and strong fish in different parts of the province from August 28 to September 2.
All departments and line departments of the district that remain in maximum alert has been ordered.
According to the PDMA, heavy rains can activate sudden floods in local currents, seasonal nullah and rivers in the upper and central districts, including Galiyat, Mansehra, Kohistan (upper and lower), Kola-Palas, Abbottabad, Buner, Bajaur, Batagram, Hang, Torgha Sub and Low, Sub and Low, Sub and Low, Sub and Baja), Subparation and Low, Sub and Low), upper, Sub and Low), SubPase and Low, Sub and Low), Subasa and Baja, Sub and Low), SubPase and Low (Superior), Sub and Low). Shangla, Khyber, Kohat, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Malakand, Mohmand, Orakzai, Bannu, Waziristán Norte and South, and Tank.
The authority has also warned of possible landslides in mountainous areas and urban floods in low cities. Strong winds and rays can also damage weak structures, electricity posts, billboards and solar panels.
The PDMA has instructed the district administrations to guarantee precautionary measures, clean drainage systems and provide timely information to local residents, tourists and travelers.
Farmers have been advised and cattle owners who transfer crops and animals to safer places, while tourists have been urged to avoid visiting risky areas during the forecast period.
Relevant departments have been directed to guarantee the availability of emergency services, medical aid, food and other essential supplies. The public has been asked to avoid unnecessary trips during bad weather.
Also read: Punjab floods get worse after the release of Indian water, 210,000 evacuated so far
The PDMA emergency operations center is fully functional. Citizens can inform any emergency or seeking assistance contacting the PDMA help line 24/7 to 1700.
According to the Provincial Authority for Disaster Management (PDMA), heavy rains and sudden floods in KP since August 15 have gained at least 406 lives and injured more than 245.
The victims include 305 men, 55 women and 46 children, while the injured comprise 179 men, 38 women and 30 children. In addition, torrential rains and floods have damaged 3,526 houses, with 2,945 partially destroyed and 577 completely demolished.
Buner recorded the greatest number of deaths with 337 deaths, followed by Sawabi with a number of the dead of 46. Victims were reported on Swat, Buner, Bajaur, Mansehra, Shangla, Lower Dir, Battagram, Di Khan and Sawabi.
The authorities in the affected districts have received instructions to accelerate the aid operations and provide immediate assistance to the victims. The PDMA and relevant agencies remain in contact and are closely monitoring the situation.
The emergency operations center remains completely operational. Residents can report emergencies or search for updates through the 1700 free aid line.
