The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a nationwide weather alert, warning that strong winds, dust storms, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, urban flooding and glacier-related flood risks could affect several parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours, with vulnerable mountainous regions facing an elevated threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Alert Details
The alert was issued by the NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), which said the prevailing weather pattern was consistent with the seasonal forecast released three to four months earlier. The authority said it had already shared advance warnings with all relevant federal, provincial and district-level institutions to ensure preparedness and timely response to any emergency situation.
Affected Regions
According to the advisory, widespread rain accompanied by strong winds, dust storms and thunderstorms is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several districts of Punjab, including Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. Authorities have also warned of possible urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other parts of the Potohar region.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rain and thunderstorms are forecast in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur and Bhimber.
GLOF and Flash Flood Risks
The NDMA separately warned of a heightened risk of GLOFs and flash floods in northern regions due to rapidly melting glaciers and rising temperatures. Areas identified as particularly vulnerable include Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Astore and Diamer in Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Bahrain and Arkari in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The authority said Upper Dir, Swat, Kohistan and Mansehra also remain highly susceptible to flash flooding, while Gilgit, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Ghanche, Darel and Tangir could face flood-related impacts. In Azad Kashmir, localised flooding may occur in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh and Haveli.
Infrastructure Concerns
The advisory warned that sudden flooding, landslides and debris flows could occur in mountainous areas, while glacier-fed rivers and streams may experience a sharp increase in water discharge. Damage to highways, link roads and other critical infrastructure is also feared.
Weather in Other Provinces
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan. Similar weather conditions are forecast for Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar and Zhob in Balochistan. Sindh is also likely to receive rain at isolated locations, with strong winds and thunderstorms expected in Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Karachi.
Preparedness Measures
The NDMA said district administrations and emergency services had been directed to remain on high alert, monitor vulnerable areas continuously and ensure the clearance of drainage systems, nullahs and sewerage networks. Residents living near streams and low-lying areas have been advised to move valuables and livestock to safer locations.
Public Advisory
Tourists and travellers have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before visiting northern areas. The authority also advised the public to stay away from glaciers, riverbanks and fast-flowing streams and to report any emergency immediately to local authorities.
The NDMA said all provincial and district administrations had been instructed to remain fully prepared to deal with any weather-related emergency and urged citizens to follow updates through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.
