PESHAWAR (Kashmir English): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a landslide alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that the risk of landslides, rockfalls and debris flows may increase in sensitive mountainous areas from August 19 to 22, 2026.
The NDMA has declared the mountainous areas of Malakand, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Shangla, Swat, Battagram, Alaai, Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, Kolai Pals, Mansehra and Galiyat as sensitive.
According to the alert, landslides, sudden rockfalls and debris flows may affect traffic flow on mountain roads, while there is a possibility of temporary or long-term closure of roads at some places.
Major highways also at risk
The NDMA has declared various parts of N-45 Batkhela, Chakdara, Dir, Matkani Road, S-4A, S-16, N-90 and N-95 as sensitive. Landslides have also been reported on Mingora, Madin, Bahrain, Kalam, Alaai, Pokal and Gangwal roads.
Similarly, caution has been advised on the roads adjacent to Chitral, Boni, Mastuj, Darosh, Lowari, Chitral and Garam Chashma roads as well as Dasu, Comilla, Sio, Pattan, Dubair, Jijal, Pals and Kolai of the Karakoram Highway.
N-15 Balakot, Kaghan, Naran, Abbottabad, Galiat and Thandiani roads have also been declared sensitive in view of the possible danger.
District administration directed to take emergency measures
The NDMA has directed the relevant institutions and the district administration to continuously monitor the sensitive mountain slopes and keep teams ready to deal with emergencies.
It has also been emphasized to ensure the necessary machinery, rescue resources, and alternative arrangements in advance.
In view of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa landslide alert, citizens and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary mountain travel. Travelers have been asked to check the latest weather and road conditions before starting their journey and not travel on roads closed by the administration.
The NDMA has further directed that in case of a landslide, rockfall, or debris flow, immediately move to a safe distance from the affected area and follow the instructions of rescue and administrative agencies.
