The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high alert for eight districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Thursday because of the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash floods.
Which KP districts are at flood risk?
The Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, and Mansehra districts are facing the most risk of flooding.
The PDMA also said that the rivers, streams, and seasonal nullahs may also see a sharp rise in water levels.
Officials have also been asked to complete plans for possible evacuations in Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Kohistan, and Mansehra.
Heavy rain along with rapid glacier melting could cause more water to flow into rivers and streams. Flooding is more likely in mountain areas that are already at risk.
PDMA precautions: what to do in a flood situation?
The PDMA has asked deputy commissioners in the affected districts to keep a close watch on places that are more likely to flood.
They have also been told to make sure that early warning systems are working so people can receive alerts on time.
Local administrations have also been directed to keep rescue teams ready. Emergency equipment and relief supplies should remain available at all times.
The authority said these steps are especially important in Kohistan, Mansehra, and Swat where the flood risk is higher.
The PDMA has advised people living near rivers, streams, and glacier areas to follow official weather updates.
Residents should also avoid unnecessary travel to places that are at risk of flooding while the current spell of rain continues.
Rainwater floods Lahore once again
Heavy rain in Lahore has once again flooded many roads and streets on Wednesday. The excess water on roads has made travel difficult for people across the city.
The city received 350 mm of rain in just three hours, and the heavy rain flooded several major roads.
These roads include the Mall Road and Ferozepur Road. The rain also highlighted Lahore’s drainage problems.
