Muhammad Usman Amin

PESHAWAR: Authorities in Pakistan&rsquo;s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have issued a heatwave alert as temperatures in several districts are expected to climb as high as 47&deg;C over the coming days, raising concerns over heatstroke, dehydration and pressure on public health systems.&nbsp;The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an advisory covering multiple districts, including Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Peshawar and Mardan, warning residents to take precautionary measures as extreme heat intensifies.&nbsp;According to PDMA Spokesperson Anwar Shehzad, the prevailing weather conditions pose serious health risks, particularly for outdoor workers, children and the elderly.&nbsp;The warning follows a weather advisory issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department, which said high atmospheric pressure is driving the temperature surge across much of the country.&nbsp;&ldquo;Met office informed that due to the presence of high pressure in the upper atmosphere, heatwave conditions are likely to develop over southern and central parts of the country from 07th to 11th May, while in upper parts from 08th to 10th May,&rdquo; the department said in its advisory issued earlier this week.&nbsp;Under the forecast, southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Karak, Bannu and Lakki Marwat, are expected to record daytime temperatures between 43&deg;C and 47&deg;C.&nbsp;In central parts of the province, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera and Kohat, temperatures are likely to range between 39&deg;C and 43&deg;C.&nbsp;The Meteorological Department said a shallow westerly weather system is expected to enter the country&rsquo;s upper regions on the evening of May 10 and persist through May 13, potentially bringing some relief and easing the intensity of the heatwave.&nbsp;Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, Shehzad urged the public to adopt preventive measures, including limiting outdoor movement during peak heat hours and increasing water intake to avoid heat-related illness.&nbsp;Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors between 11am and 4pm unless absolutely necessary, as those hours are expected to see the most intense temperatures.&nbsp;The PDMA has also directed district administrations to establish heatstroke response centers and mobile cooling stations in crowded public spaces, including markets and major roads, to provide emergency support during the heatwave.&nbsp;Farmers, particularly during the ongoing wheat harvesting season, have been advised to schedule field work and livestock care during cooler parts of the day to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and animal losses.&nbsp;KP remains highly vulnerable to climate-linked weather extremes, with authorities increasingly facing a cycle of heatwaves, flash floods and glacial hazards across its varied terrain, stretching from mountainous north to arid southern plains.

Climate & Environment

Authorities in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have issued a heatwave alert as temperatures in several districts are expected to climb as high as 47°C over the coming days, raising concerns over heatstroke, dehydration and pressure on public health systems

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa braces for scorching heat as temperatures near 47°C

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has placed upper districts of Pakistan&rsquo;s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on high alert after a deadly spell of extreme weather, warning of potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash flooding.&nbsp;The move comes as the province reels from fatalities and widespread damage caused by severe storms and structural collapses since March 25.&nbsp;Glacial lake outburst floods occur when natural dams holding back glacial lakes suddenly fail, releasing massive volumes of water and debris.&nbsp;These events can trigger catastrophic flash floods and landslides, threatening downstream communities.&nbsp;Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, PDMA Spokesperson Anwar Shehzad warned that the Malakand and Hazara regions face heightened risks.&nbsp;&ldquo;In Hazara we see a lot of landslides and in Malakand Division, there are glaciers in Swat, Kohistan, Upper Dir, Upper Chitral, and Lower Chitral. The risk of glacial outbursts is high here,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Heavy rains cause water levels in streams to rise, and the connected tributaries/nullahs then overflow. This water moves toward populated areas, increasing the flash flood risk.&rdquo;&nbsp;Shehzad described current weather patterns as &ldquo;atypical,&rdquo; noting that unusually early seasonal rains in March and April have intensified risks across the mountainous terrain.&nbsp;Authorities have directed district administrations to shift into emergency mode, with continuous monitoring of vulnerable glacial sites and activation of early warning systems. Emergency personnel from Rescue 1122 and Civil Defense, along with heavy machinery, have been deployed at key locations to reduce response times.&nbsp;While flood &ldquo;thresholds&rdquo; have not yet been breached, Shehzad said, &ldquo;the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) is operating 24/7 to monitor river levels in real-time.&rdquo;&nbsp;The alert follows mounting human and infrastructural losses.&nbsp;According to PDMA data, at least 25 people have died and 77 others injured since March 25. A total of 88 houses have been partially or completely destroyed, along with one school.&nbsp;Many casualties occurred in rural areas, where heavy rains caused roofs and walls to collapse, with children among the victims.&nbsp;With the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasting further intense rainfall through early April, authorities have issued a strict travel advisory. Tourist and patrolling police have been deployed to restrict movement դեպի vulnerable northern areas.&nbsp;Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel near riverbanks and streams, where fast-flowing water can quickly sweep away vehicles.&nbsp;The PDMA has called on citizens to stay updated through official channels and report emergencies via its toll-free helpline, 1700.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has warned of floods and glacial lake outburst floods, placing Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on high alert as more rain is expected, with authorities closely monitoring glaciers and preparing emergency response teams.

Deadly rains put Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on high alert

ISLAMABAD: Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to five sensitive districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Due to the current heavy rains in the last few days and snowfall in the northern regions of Pakistan, there is a possibility of glaciers melting in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat and Upper Kohistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;All five districts are heavily mountainous and difficult to reach in case of any disaster. The heavy rains in many regions of Pakistan, especially in the north west may lead to glacial lakes to burst, resulting in flash floods and land sliding, the Authority warned.&nbsp;&nbsp;This alert came in the wake of severe rainfall which has, as of March 31, resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people and 72 people have been injured in Pakistan&rsquo;s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province since March 25. The recent casualties are attributed to roof and wall collapse in rural areas, with children making up a significant portion of the victims.&nbsp;&nbsp;PDMA in this recent alert, has issued instructions to relevant district administrations to take emergency measures and to make advance preparations. District administrations are directed to ensure continuous monitoring of sensitive sites and to keep early warning systems active.&nbsp;&nbsp;Relevant institutions and administrations have been instructed to conduct evacuation drills in areas considered high-risk. Emphasis has been placed on keeping evacuation centers in safe locations fully functional and equipped with necessary facilities.&nbsp;Residents of low-lying areas are directed to remain immediately alert. PDMA has also issued Instructions to inform local populations regarding potential risks.&nbsp;Rescue and emergency services personnel have been directed to remain ready at all times. Instructions have also been given to pre-position necessary machinery and equipment to deal with any emergency situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The public is advised to avoid unnecessary movement near streams, drains and rivers. Citizens are warned about the risk of vehicles being swept away in fast-flowing water. Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel toward sensitive regions.&nbsp;&nbsp;In case of road closures or damage, instructions are given to maintain immediate contact with National Highway Authority (NHA) and other relevant authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Directions issued to monitor the controlled discharge of glacial lakes in case of extreme danger. The PDMA Emergency Operations Center is fully functional; the public can contact the PDMA Helpline at 1700 in case of any emergency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to five sensitive districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Due to the current heavy rains in the last few days and snowfall in the northern regions of Pakistan, there is a possibility of glaciers melting in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat and Upper Kohistan. 
Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to five sensitive districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Due to the current heavy rains in the last few days and snowfall in the northern regions of Pakistan, there is a possibility of glaciers melting in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat and Upper Kohistan. 



Articles tagged with "PDMA"

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa braces for scorching heat as temperatures near 47°C

Deadly rains put Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on high alert

North-West Pakistan under high alert: PDMA warns of glacial lake outbursts in 5 districts