• NDMA says rains might cause flash flooding in hilly areas.
• Govt body warns of increased water flow in streams, nullahs.
• Directs relevant depart to alert emergency response teams.

In light of the monsoon spell, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of urban flooding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from today till August 18 due to heavy rains which are expected to hit various parts of the province.

Anticipating further rains, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the NDMA said that moderate to heavy rains are expected in Hazara, Malakand Division, Peshawar, Bannu, DI Khan, Hangu, Haripur, Kohat, Kurram, Lucky Marwat, Mohmand, Orakzai and Waziristan areas.

The development comes after the recent rains have resulted in as many as 178 fatalities, including 92 children, across the country since July with the collapse of homes being the biggest cause of death.

The downpour, as per the NDMA, might cause urban flooding in various cities and flash flooding in hilly areas with an expected increase in the flow of water in the streams and nullahs.

Calling on the authorities and the masses to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and landslides, the government body has directed all relevant departments to alert emergency response teams and mobilised resources to ensure a swift response to any arising situations.

Furthermore, tourists have been advised to avoid travelling to these areas during this time period.

A day earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had also alerted district administrations in the province in light of expected rains saying that the showers might cause landslides as well as flooding in the rivers.