PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a weather alert, forecasting intermittent rainfall in most districts of the province commencing today, May 8th, and likely continuing until May 12th.

According to the PDMA, districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Malakand, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Bannu, Karak, and Kohat are expected to experience rain with thunderstorms during this period.

The PDMA has issued a circular to all district administrations, directing them to take precautionary measures to deal with any potential untoward incidents and ensure the availability of necessary machinery.

The public is advised to stay away from power lines, dilapidated structures, signboards, and billboards during rainfall. Farmers are urged to plan their activities considering the weather forecast. Tourists and local populations in sensitive upper areas are instructed to take precautionary measures and stay informed about evolving weather conditions. District administrations in sensitive areas have also been directed to disseminate advisory messages in local languages.

All relevant departments are instructed to remain vigilant for road clearance and to provide alternate routes in case of road blockages. The Director General of PDMA has advised tourists to contact the PDMA helpline for information on weather and road conditions before traveling to tourist destinations.

The PDMA’s Emergency Operations Center is fully functional. The public can report any untoward incident to the PDMA’s free helpline at 1700, a PDMA spokesperson confirmed.