PESHAWAR: At least nine people were killed and 23 others injured in rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 48 hours as the first spell of monsoon rains, accompanied by strong winds and flash floods, caused widespread damage across the province.

According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), heavy rainfall and flash floods also damaged at least 41 houses in various districts.

PDMA Director General said the incidents were reported in Khyber, Lower Dir, Mardan, Shangla, Bajaur, Lower Chitral, Dera Ismail Khan and other areas of the province.

The official said district administrations had been directed to intensify relief operations and provide immediate assistance to affected families.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of an increased risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, landslides and urban flooding across northern and central parts of the country from July 1 to July 4.

In an advisory issued by its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the NDMA said rising temperatures, an active monsoon system and westerly weather waves were expected to trigger heavy rainfall and accelerate glacier melting.

The authority urged all relevant departments to remain on high alert and advised the public to follow official safety instructions.

The NDMA warned that glacier-adjacent areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir face an elevated risk of GLOFs due to accelerated glacier melting caused by rising temperatures and forecast heavy rainfall.