The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to district administrations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following forecasts of heavy rains and thunderstorms between October 2 and October 7.

According to the Meteorological Department, intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected during this period in several districts, with some areas likely to experience torrential downpours.

Districts including Upper and Lower Dir, Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kolai Pallas, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, and Mohmand have been forecast to receive heavy rain accompanied by thunder. Similar weather conditions are also expected in Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, North and South Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan.

The PDMA warned that heavy rains could trigger flash floods in streams and nullahs across Dir, Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, and Mardan. Landslides are also feared in hilly districts such as Abbottabad, Battagram, Buner, Khyber, Malakand, Mohmand, Orakzai, Torghar, and North Waziristan, which may lead to road closures.

Authorities further cautioned that strong winds may damage weak structures, electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. All district administrations have been directed to clear drainage systems, run timely awareness campaigns in vulnerable areas, and ensure the availability of emergency services.

The PDMA advised farmers and livestock owners to move their crops and animals to safe locations, while citizens and tourists were urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the spell of severe weather.

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