The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert for the next 12 to 24 hours, warning of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms, flash flooding, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and landslides across parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. All relevant authorities have been directed to remain on high alert to mitigate potential risks.
Expected Weather Conditions
According to the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of NDMA, widespread rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds is expected in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujar Khan, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rainfall with thunderstorms is forecast in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Batagram, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan. Similar weather conditions are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, and Bhimber.
Potential Hazards
The NDMA warned that hailstorms may accompany rainfall in several areas, posing a threat to weak structures, vulnerable installations, and standing crops. Strong winds could also disrupt power supply and damage infrastructure. The authority cautioned that rising temperatures and rainfall in northern mountainous regions may trigger glacial lake outburst floods, increase water flow in rivers and streams, and heighten the risk of landslides. Road closures are also possible due to flooding and slope failures.
Landslide-Prone Areas
Areas facing a heightened landslide threat include Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and mountainous parts of Azad Kashmir. Critical routes identified as vulnerable include the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road, Jaglot-Skardu Road, Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, and Deosai Road.
Tourist Destinations at Risk
The NDMA also declared road links between Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala, and Passu as sensitive due to the potential for landslides and weather-related disruptions. Tourist destinations and mountainous areas such as Kalam, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Patan, and Chitral Valley may experience travel disruptions during the forecast period.
Preparedness and Advisories
The NDMA has directed provincial and district administrations, rescue services, and road maintenance agencies to remain vigilant and ensure preparedness for any emergency situation. Tourists and travelers have been advised to check weather forecasts and road conditions before undertaking journeys to northern areas. The authority also urged citizens to stay informed through the official 'Pak NDMA Disaster Alert' mobile application for timely weather updates and emergency advisories.
