19 Jun 2023 | 12:42 PM UTC
Pakistan: Weather-related disruptions ongoing across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province as of June 19 /update 1
Weather-related disruptions ongoing across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, as of June 19. Casualties and damage reported.
Event
Flooding and other weather-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province as of June 19. Heavy rainfall and strong winds occurred across southern parts of the province June 18, causing damage and flooding in affected areas. The worst affected area is Bannu District, with authorities reporting at least five fatalities and around 67 others injured as a result of the severe weather. One fatality has also been reported in both Lakki Marwat and North Waziristan districts. Dozens of homes and other buildings have been damaged in affected areas, and several roads have been made impassable by floodwaters. Response operations are ongoing as of June 19; lingering disruptions are likely in affected areas over the coming days. Previous severe weather June 10-11 in similar parts of the province caused at least 27 fatalities and widespread damage.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of further strong winds and thundershowers across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through at least June 20. 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.
