NDMA Alerts for Intense Rainfall from April 17

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert, warning that three successive weather systems are expected to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms across Pakistan between April 17 and 29, raising the risk of flash floods, urban flooding and travel disruptions in several regions.
According to an advisory issued by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), the first weather system is expected to enter the country on April 17 and remain active until April 22, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to large parts of the country.
The system is forecast to affect Balochistan from April 17 to 19, Punjab and Sindh from April 18 to 19, upper Punjab from April 18 to 21, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from April 17 to 22.
A second, comparatively weaker weather system is expected to arrive on April 23, bringing light rainfall and thunderstorms to parts of Balochistan, upper Punjab, KP, GB and AJK until April 24. Sindh is not expected to receive significant rainfall during this spell.
The NDMA warned that a third and stronger weather system is likely to enter Pakistan on April 25, triggering heavy rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms with intermittent breaks through April 29.
Under the forecast, Balochistan will remain under the influence of the system from April 25 to 29, while Sindh is expected to receive rain on April 25, 26 and 28. South Punjab may experience rainfall from April 27 to 28, upper Punjab from April 26 to 29, and KP, GB and AJK from April 25 to 29.
The authority cautioned that intense rainfall could trigger flash floods in local nullahs across vulnerable districts, including Khuzdar, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Muslim Bagh, Quetta, Pishin, Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar and Turbat. Low-lying areas, particularly in southern and western Balochistan, also face the risk of flooding.
In view of the forecast, the NDMA directed Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and other relevant departments to remain on high alert, ensure the pre-positioning of machinery and emergency personnel, and prepare for any potential emergencies.
The authority also urged local administrations to alert communities living near rivers and seasonal streams, monitor rising water levels and carry out timely evacuations from flood-prone areas where necessary.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, stay away from electricity poles and damaged structures, and refrain from driving or walking through flooded roads and waterways.
The NDMA also called on farmers, livestock owners, tourists and travellers to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions closely and take preventive measures to safeguard crops, animals and personal safety.