Pakistan Braces for Severe Monsoon Rains, Flood and Landslide Warnings Issued
Heavy rainfall expected across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 27-31, prompting urgent preparedness measures.
Authorities in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are bracing for another round of intense monsoon rains, with forecasts predicting heavy downpours from July 27 to July 31. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a stark warning to district administrations, urging immediate action to mitigate potential damage to life and property.
The alert comes as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) anticipates a significant weather system impacting much of the province. According to the PDMA advisory, the impending rains, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, are likely to affect a wide swathe of territory, including Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Peshawar.
Flood Risk Escalates Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The primary concern centers around the heightened risk of flash floods in vulnerable areas. A senior official stated that the downpours could overwhelm drainage systems and cause rapid rises in water levels within nullahs and streams across numerous districts, including Galiyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, and Buner. Low-lying areas in Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, and Dera Ismail Khan are also considered particularly susceptible to flooding, as are the banks of the Chitral, Swat, Panjkora, and Kabul rivers.
The PDMA has emphasized the need for proactive measures to manage water flow. This includes regularly monitoring river and stream levels, and crucially, clearing waste from drainage systems to prevent urban flooding. Coordination with municipal administrations is paramount for effective mitigation and preparedness.
Landslide Threat in Hilly Regions
Beyond flooding, the PDMA is also warning of a significant landslide risk in the province’s mountainous regions. Vulnerable hilly areas, including Abbottabad, Battagram, Chitral, and North Waziristan, are particularly prone to landslides, which could lead to road closures and disrupt essential transportation routes.
The advisory specifically highlights the potential for damage to infrastructure, including roofs and walls of mud houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels due to heavy rainfall and strong winds. District administrations have been urged to assess and plan for the deployment of additional resources and to check traffic flow near vulnerable areas and tourist destinations.
Precautionary Measures Urged for Residents and Travelers
The PDMA is urging residents to take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their property. This includes staying away from loose structures, such as buildings under construction and unsecured advertising displays. Farmers have also been advised to implement measures to safeguard their crops from the anticipated winds, rain, and hailstorms.
Travelers on provincial and national highways in affected areas are being warned of adverse conditions and advised to heed guidance from local authorities, national highway and motorway police, and law enforcement agencies. Authorities are preparing to detour traffic to safe waiting areas as needed.
The PDMA’s comprehensive advisory underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for coordinated preparedness efforts to minimize the impact of the impending monsoon rains on communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “.
Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2025.
