12 Jun 2023 | 01:28 PM UTC
Pakistan: Weather-related disruptions ongoing across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province as of June 12
Weather-related disruptions ongoing across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, as of June 12. Casualties and damage reported.
Event
Flooding and other weather-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province as of June 12. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning strikes have caused damage across parts of the province June 11-12. The worst affected area is Bannu District, with authorities reporting at least 15 fatalities, around 100 others injured, and 68 homes damaged as a result of the severe weather. Five fatalities were also reported in both Karak and Lakki Marwat districts, and two more in Dera Ismail Khan. Dozens of homes and other buildings have been damaged in affected areas. Response operations are ongoing as of June 12; lingering disruptions are likely in affected areas over the coming days.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of further thunderstorms, heavy downpours, possible hail, and dust storms across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through at least June 18. Further adverse weather could cause additional weather-related disruptions in the region and hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updates on road status and weather conditions. Confirm road status and seek alternative routes to reach destinations in the affected areas; allow additional travel time. Delivery disruptions are possible; consider delaying or rerouting shipments until road access normalizes. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
