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ISLAMABAD, June 04 (Alliance News): 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 floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and landslides across several regions of Pakistan, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of NDMA, widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is expected in Islamabad and various districts of Punjab.
The affected areas include 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 for Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Batagram, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan.
The weather system is also expected to affect Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, and Bhimber.
NDMA cautioned that hailstorms may accompany rainfall in several areas, posing risks to weak structures, vulnerable installations, and standing crops. Strong winds may also disrupt electricity supply and damage infrastructure.
The authority warned that rising temperatures combined with rainfall in northern mountainous regions could trigger glacial lake outburst floods and increase water levels in rivers and streams. The risk of landslides and road blockages is also expected to rise during the forecast period.
Areas facing a heightened threat of landslides include Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and mountainous regions of Azad Kashmir.
NDMA identified several critical road networks as vulnerable to weather-related disruptions, including the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road, Jaglot-Skardu Road, Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, and Deosai Road.
Road links connecting Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala, and Passu have also been declared sensitive due to the possibility of landslides and flooding.
Popular tourist destinations such as Kalam, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Patan, and Chitral Valley may experience travel disruptions during the warning period.
The NDMA has directed provincial and district administrations, rescue services, and road maintenance agencies to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness for any emergency situation. Citizens, tourists, and travelers have been advised to check weather forecasts and road conditions before undertaking journeys, particularly to northern and mountainous areas.
The authority also urged the public to stay updated through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application for timely weather information and emergency advisories.
