The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a landslide alert for mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that the risk of landslides is expected to increase in vulnerable mountainous areas from August 19 to 22, 2026.
According to the NDMA, mountainous areas of Malakand, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Shangla, Swat, Battagram, Allai, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, Kolai Palas, Mansehra and Galiyat have been identified as vulnerable to landslides.
Landslides, falling rocks and debris flows could temporarily or for extended periods disrupt traffic and lead to road closures on vulnerable mountain routes. Roads identified as particularly sensitive include N-45 Batkhela, Chakdara, Dir, Matkani Road, N-45, S-4A and S-16 in the Dir valleys, N-90, N-95 Chakdara, Mingora, Madyan, Bahrain, Kalam, Allai, Pokal and Gangwal roads.
The NDMA said N-140 and the Chitral-Booni-Mastuj corridor, as well as the N-45 routes around Drosh, Lowari and Chitral and the Garam Chashma Road, are also vulnerable to landslides.
Similarly, access roads along the Karakoram Highway toward Dasu, Komila, Seo, Patan, Dubair, Jijal, Palas and Kolai are at risk. The N-15 routes toward Balakot, Kaghan and Naran, along with roads connecting Abbottabad, Galiyat and Thandiani, have also been identified as vulnerable.
The alert warns that landslides and falling rocks could damage roads, bridges, retaining walls and other infrastructure, disrupt traffic and cut off land access to remote areas. Sudden landslides and debris flows could pose a direct threat to passengers, drivers, local residents and communities located near mountain slopes.
Relevant district administrations and departments have been directed to ensure continuous monitoring of vulnerable mountain slopes and keep emergency teams ready for immediate response in case of landslides.
The NDMA has also instructed authorities to arrange necessary machinery, rescue resources and alternative measures in advance to deal with possible blockages and traffic disruptions on vulnerable mountain roads.
The public and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to landslide-prone mountainous areas and roads, check the latest weather and road conditions before traveling, and completely avoid roads that have been closed by the authorities.
The NDMA further advised travelers in mountainous areas to maintain a safe distance from affected locations in the event of landslides, falling rocks or debris flows and to follow instructions issued by the administration and rescue agencies.
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