National Disaster Management Authority Warns of Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms and Flood Risks Across Pakistan
The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) on Friday issued a nationwide weather advisory warning of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall and hailstorms in several parts of Pakistan during the next 12 to 24 hours.
The authority also warned of possible flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in northern regions due to rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melting.
According to the NDMA, the current weather conditions are consistent with seasonal forecasts and assessments issued by the NEOC several months earlier. The authority added that pre-monsoon preparedness measures had already been reviewed during a national monsoon conference held on the directives of the prime minister.
The advisory stated that strong winds, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms are expected across Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In Punjab, rain and thunderstorms are forecast in Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Okara.
Islamabad and surrounding areas may also experience heavy rainfall and isolated hailstorms.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch and Rawalakot.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to receive rain and gusty winds in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Swabi, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Charsadda and Dera Ismail Khan, with hailstorms possible in some areas.
The NDMA also forecast thunderstorms and potential hailstorms in Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Matli, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sujawal and Jamshoro.
In Balochistan, rain-bearing systems are expected to affect Quetta, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Chaman, Loralai, Khuzdar, Qalat, Mastung, Ziarat, Sibi, Barkhan, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Surab, Hub, Gwadar and Kech.
The authority cautioned that increasing temperatures in northern areas could intensify glacier melting, raising the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from glacial lakes and unstable slopes, and remain indoors during severe weather conditions and dust storms.
The NDMA also warned that strong winds and hailstorms in southern areas could damage weak structures, vehicles and solar panels.
According to the authority, all provincial administrations and relevant departments have been directed to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to respond to any emergency situation.
The public has been urged to follow official weather advisories and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application for timely updates and emergency information.
