The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a flood warning after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast persistent heavy rains in several districts. The advisory highlights risks of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding in different regions of the province.

In its weather advisory, the PDMA said downpours are likely to swell local streams and rivers in Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan and Abbottabad. The authority warned that continuous rainfall could trigger landslides in mountainous areas, cutting off road access and isolating remote communities.

The statement also identified low-lying areas of Peshawar, Nowshera and Mardan as vulnerable to urban flooding. Strong winds and heavy showers pose a serious threat to mud houses and fragile structures, including walls, electricity poles, billboards, solar panels and parked vehicles.

District Administrations on High Alert

Local administrations, police and rescue services have been placed on high alert. The PDMA urged the public and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from riverbanks and remain updated with official warnings to prevent accidents.

Read more: Ishaq Dar’s Dhaka Visit Seen as Symbol of Reunion

Authorities have been directed to monitor water channels and prepare for possible evacuations if flood levels rise. Emergency teams are also on standby in vulnerable districts to assist residents.

PMD Forecasts More Widespread Rain

The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast widespread heavy rains over the next 24 hours across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other regions. It cautioned that strong downpours may cause flooding in rivers and streams across Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan.

Heavy showers are also expected in Murree and the Galliyat region, where the risk of landslides remains high.

Dera Ismail Khan Bears the Brunt

In Dera Ismail Khan, powerful winds and torrential rains caused widespread destruction. Trees and electricity poles were uprooted, plunging many areas into darkness. Roof collapses in different neighborhoods left at least seven people dead and dozens injured, rescue officials confirmed.

Provincial government spokesperson Faraz Mughal expressed grief over the loss of lives, calling the deaths “deeply saddening.” He added that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had instructed the district administration and rescue services to remain vigilant.

An emergency has been declared in hospitals across the district to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured. Rescue teams and power restoration workers have been deployed to affected areas.

Heavy Rains Lash Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Meanwhile, in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, several hours of downpour triggered flash floods in streams and drains. The Bhara Kahu area was badly affected as floodwaters entered houses and shops, leaving vehicles stranded.

Authorities closed several hiking trails in the Margalla Hills, including Trails 2, 3, 4, 5 and the track behind Saidpur village, to protect the public from landslide risks.

The Met Office said heavy downpours are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, northeastern Punjab, Kashmir and Dera Ghazi Khan. Seasonal waterways in these areas are at risk of overflowing, raising fears of flash floods.

Waterlogging in Major Cities

The national forecaster also warned that low-lying areas in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Peshawar, Nowshera and Mardan may face significant waterlogging. Civic authorities have been directed to clear drains to prevent urban flooding.

In Lahore and other parts of Punjab, drainage systems are under pressure as heavy rain continues. Traffic disruptions are also being reported on major highways due to standing water.

Authorities Urge Caution

The PDMA and PMD have both advised residents to stay vigilant, especially in mountainous and flood-prone areas. Tourists visiting northern districts have been asked to avoid traveling near rivers and landslide-prone roads.

Rescue officials stressed that people should secure loose structures, avoid unnecessary movement during storms, and immediately report emergencies to helplines.

Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,, X and TikTok for latest updates

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version