PMD warns of high flood risk in Nowshera

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of potential flooding in the Kabul River near Nowshera. According to the latest advisory, there is a significant threat of moderate to high-level flooding within the next 48 hours, prompting authorities to advise local residents to evacuate to safer locations.

In addition to the flood warning, meteorological experts are forecasting severe weather conditions nationwide from April 16 to April 22. Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds are expected across the country, with mountainous regions likely to experience snowfall and an increased risk of landslides.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has highlighted the potential for flooding in Balochistan’s rivers, as well as in the Kabul River, Swat, and Panjkorah. Regions including Nowshera, Charsadda, Peshawar, Shabqadar, Jamrud, and their surroundings are at risk, with agricultural lands, orchards, and infrastructure vulnerable to damage. Tourists are cautioned to exercise caution during the heavy rainfall to avoid flash floods.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan is grappling with the aftermath of continuous rainfall over the past three days, resulting in devastating flooding. Initial reports from Afghan authorities indicate that the flash floods have claimed at least 33 lives and left 27 injured. The impact extends to over 600 homes either partially or completely destroyed, with more than 200 livestock casualties reported.

The floods have also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, washing away approximately 600 kilometers of roads and inundating nearly 2,000 hectares of agricultural land. With 20 out of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces severely affected by the heavy rainfall, areas such as Western Farah, Herat, Southern Zabul, and Kandahar are among the hardest hit. Authorities are bracing for further rainfall in the coming days, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness measures.