ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of a heightened risk of flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as a strong western weather system is set to affect upper regions of the country from January 21 to 24.
According to the NDMA, heavy rain and snowfall could increase water flow in streams connected to the Kabul River, posing a threat to low-lying and sensitive areas. The authority has directed the KP government and district administrations to stay on high alert and keep a close eye on vulnerable locations.
The alert covers Swat, Chitral, Buner, Shangla, Lower and Upper Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Mardan, Swabi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Haripur, Kolai Palas Kohistan, and several areas of AJK.
Over the past day, rain and snowfall were recorded in Chitral, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Patan Kohistan, and Dir. Temperatures in Kalam, Malam Jabba, and Parachinar dropped to minus four degrees Celsius, while Upper Dir recorded zero degrees, Chitral one degree, and Peshawar five degrees Celsius. Kalam received the heaviest snowfall.
In Lower Chitral, snowfall was reported in Kalash valleys, Lowari Tunnel, Madaklasht, and Garam Chashma. The Lowari Tunnel area recorded around five inches of snow.
Bumburet in the Kalash Valley received three inches, Madaklasht four inches, and Baghushat five inches. Upper Chitral areas including Shandur, Laspur, and Yarkhun also experienced snowfall.
Despite the weather, traffic on the Lowari Tunnel Road is moving as usual, though authorities have advised drivers to use snow chains and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has forecast heavy rain and snowfall in Murree, Galiyat, and nearby areas. Snowfall is expected to continue in and around Murree until January 23.
PDMA Director General said 13 facilitation centers have been set up in Murree to assist tourists. Travelers have been advised to check weather conditions before heading out and avoid travel if conditions worsen.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has instructed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and ensure round-the-clock readiness. He said district administrations will be present on the ground to guide and protect tourists, stressing that “it’s better to be safe than sorry” during extreme weather.