Peshawar(Khyber point) The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rains across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) starting today, warning of potential landslides in mountainous areas. The downpour is expected to continue until August 31, posing significant risks to both urban centers and vulnerable hilly regions.
According to the advisory, torrential rains are likely to affect multiple districts including Peshawar, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Nowshera, Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Kohat, and Bannu. Authorities have cautioned residents in these areas to take precautionary measures as flash floods and road blockages are possible.
The weather system is also predicted to impact Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with heavy showers expected in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Mirpur, and Bhimber from August 29 to September 2. In Gilgit-Baltistan, districts such as Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, and Ghanche are likely to face both heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides. The PMD has further warned of the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in northern GB, a recurring threat that endangers villages located near unstable glacial lakes.
Experts say that the combination of intense rainfall and unstable terrain significantly heightens the risk of landslides in areas like Upper Dir, Swat, and Hunza. Such events often disrupt transportation routes, damage infrastructure, and isolate communities. Local authorities have been advised to remain on high alert and prepare emergency response measures.
Rescue agencies in KP and GB have been instructed to keep machinery and manpower on standby for possible evacuations and road clearance operations. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous regions during the forecast period.
In recent years, climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in Pakistan, with KP, GB, and AJK among the most vulnerable regions. Environmental analysts note that deforestation, poor drainage systems, and unchecked construction in mountainous zones exacerbate the impact of heavy rains.
The provincial disaster management authorities in KP and GB are coordinating closely with district administrations to monitor the situation. Early warning messages have been circulated in at-risk areas, while community awareness campaigns are being launched to minimize casualties.
As rains lash the northern belt, officials have appealed to the public to stay vigilant, follow safety advisories, and cooperate with authorities in case of evacuation orders.
