Heavy rain expected in Potohar, KP from Sept 14-17: PMD

Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday cautioned residents about the possibility of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the Potohar region and upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from September 14 to 17. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat and surrounding mountainous areas could experience adverse weather, increasing the chances of urban flooding, flash floods, strong currents in waterways and landslides.

The warning was issued through an advisory by the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), which said the approaching weather system may bring concentrated rainfall over a short span of time. Such intense downpours could result in sudden flooding, particularly across urban centres and low-lying locations.

Several districts in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been placed on alert, including Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Peshawar, along with nearby areas.

The NEOC’s forecasting models suggest that the system may strengthen quickly and deliver significant rainfall within a limited timeframe, with areas already vulnerable to extreme weather facing the greatest threat.

The NDMA noted that heavy rain across mountainous terrain could cause water levels in streams and nullahs to rise rapidly. This could lead to flash flooding and landslides, creating dangers for residents as well as roads and other public infrastructure.

The disaster management authority called on people to exercise caution whenever heavy rain occurs and stay away from low-lying locations, streams, nullahs and other water channels. Citizens were also advised against making unnecessary journeys during periods of severe weather.

Residents in areas considered vulnerable were encouraged to adopt precautionary measures beforehand to reduce the potential impact of flooding and landslides.

The public was further advised to regularly monitor weather updates, official advisories and emergency directions issued by local administrations, the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the NDMA.