MANSEHRA: The Lower Kohistan district administration has warned families living along rivers and streams in Dubair, Bankud Ranowalia and adjoining villages to relocate to safer places during the fresh spell of monsoon rains.

“In the light of the tragic incidents of previous years, which claimed lives and swept away properties, roads and other infrastructure, you are directed to relocate to safer places as water levels could rise significantly in rivers and streams because of the monsoon rains and cloudbursts,” assistant commissioner (revenue) Owal Khan told residents during his visit to Bankud Ranowalia.

Accompanied by revenue department officials, he also reviewed water levels in local rivers and streams, which, according to him, had risen significantly since the start of a fresh spell of monsoon rains in the district earlier this week.

“We have imposed Section 144 of the CrPC, banning swimming, bathing and going close to rivers and streams, as water levels could suddenly rise dangerously due to monsoon rains and cloudbursts in mountainous areas upstream,” Mr Khan said.

The AC said the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had already warned of more monsoon rains, floods and cloudbursts in high-altitude parts of the country including Kohistan.

“We have already put all relevant departments, including Rescue 1122, on high alert since the start of the fresh monsoon spell in our district and you should also be cautious of the situation,” Mr Khan said.

He said a central bridge on the Dubair-Ranowalia Road had been washed away by monsoon rains and that the district administration was taking measures to provide temporary passage to people stranded on either side of the artery due to swelling of the water level.

“We have placed temporary wooden planks until a concrete structure is built to provide passage for people to cross over,” Mr Khan said.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026