The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert, forecasting further rain and thunderstorms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from this evening/night through August 23.

According to the PDMA, various districts of the province are expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms. Rain is also forecast in upper districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur and Kohistan.

Several plain areas, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Kurram and Hangu, are also likely to receive rain. The authority warned of a risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Mardan and Swabi, while landslides are possible in mountainous areas of upper districts.

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The PDMA also cautioned that strong winds and thunderstorms could damage vulnerable buildings, electricity poles, billboards and solar panels. It directed district administrations to take precautionary measures in vulnerable areas and ensure continuous monitoring of rivers, streams and rainwater channels.

Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during rainfall, while residents should maintain a safe distance from rivers and streams. Parents have also been urged to prevent children from going near streams, ponds and water channels.

The authority further advised the public to stay away from exposed electrical wires and electrical appliances during thunderstorms. Rescue personnel and necessary equipment should remain prepared to respond to possible urban flooding and landslides.

The public can contact the PDMA’s toll-free helpline at 1700 to report any untoward incident and obtain the latest weather-related information, according to the PDMA spokesperson.