Flash Flood Threat as Heavy Rain and Snowfall Forecast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJK

Islamabad: A powerful western weather system is expected to affect Pakistan’s upper regions from January 21 to 24, raising the risk of flash floods due to increased water flow in streams connected to the Kabul River, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

In its alert, the NDMA warned that heavy rainfall and snowfall may trigger flash flooding in several upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat, Chitral, Buner, Shangla, Lower and Upper Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Mardan, Swabi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Haripur, Kolai Palas Kohistan, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The authority has directed the provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and closely monitor vulnerable locations.

Over the past day, rain and snowfall were recorded in Chitral, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Patan Kohistan, and Dir. As a result, temperatures in Kalam, Malam Jabba, and Parachinar dropped to minus 4 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in Upper Dir were recorded at zero degrees, Chitral at 1 degree, and Peshawar at 5 degrees Celsius, with Kalam receiving the heaviest snowfall.

Snowfall was also reported in Chitral’s Kalash valleys, Lowari Tunnel, Madaklasht, Garam Chashma, and several areas of Lower Chitral. The Lowari Tunnel region recorded five inches of snow, while Bumburet received three inches, Madaklasht four inches, and Bagosht five inches. In Upper Chitral, snowfall was observed in Shandur, Laspur, and Yarkhun. Despite the snowfall, traffic through the Lowari Tunnel Road continues as normal, with authorities advising the use of snow chains.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast heavy rain and snowfall in Murree, Galiyat, and surrounding areas, with snowfall expected to continue until January 23. According to the Director General PDMA, 13 facilitation centers have been established in Murree to assist tourists.

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has instructed all relevant departments to remain on high alert, emphasizing that administrations must stay vigilant round the clock to prevent any untoward incidents. He advised tourists to check weather conditions before traveling, assuring that district administrations will remain present to ensure guidance and safety.