Heavy Snow, Avalanches Expected – NDMA Alerts Provinces

News Desk 

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday urged provincial and regional disaster management bodies to remain vigilant and issue timely alerts as an approaching westerly wave is expected to affect several parts of the country in the coming days.

According to forecasts, the weather system is likely to enter western Pakistan on the night of December 29, intensify on December 30, and impact most upper and central regions by December 31. The system is expected to persist in northern areas until January 2, 2026.

Under its influence, heavy snowfall may lead to road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from December 30 to January 2.

The NDMA warned that landslides and avalanches are also likely in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Tourists have been advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel to high-altitude and vulnerable areas during the period. Meanwhile, fog conditions are expected to ease in central and southern Punjab as well as upper Sindh during the wet spell.

In view of the anticipated risks, NDMA directed all Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and the ICT Administration to ensure preparedness, keep emergency response teams on standby, and take proactive measures to safeguard lives, property and critical infrastructure.

The NDMA said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with relevant stakeholders for timely response and mitigation.

Citizens have been advised to stay informed through the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application, particularly before planning travel to affected regions.