NDMA Issues Nationwide Alert Over Heavy Rain, Flood Risks
News Desk
Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather advisory, warning of thunderstorms, strong winds, dust storms and heavy rainfall across various parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the expected weather pattern aligns with forecasts issued several months ago as part of the seasonal outlook.
The authority warned that intense rainfall could trigger urban flooding, flash floods, landslides and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), particularly in vulnerable mountainous regions.
The NDMA said it has been sharing advance warnings and risk assessments with federal, provincial and district authorities to facilitate timely preparedness and response measures.
In Punjab and Islamabad, rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in several districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.
Similar weather conditions are forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where districts such as Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Hunza, Ghizer, Ghanche, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot and Mirpur are likely to receive rainfall and thunderstorms.
The authority issued a separate warning regarding the heightened risk of GLOFs in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, cautioning that such incidents could lead to sudden flooding, landslides and debris flows in mountainous areas.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
Meanwhile, parts of Balochistan, including Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar and Zhob, are also likely to experience rain and thunderstorms. In Sindh, strong winds, dust storms and isolated rainfall are expected in Karachi, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad.
The NDMA said district administrations and relevant agencies are closely monitoring vulnerable areas and have been directed to remain on high alert. Rescue and emergency response teams have also been instructed to ensure readiness to respond to any developing situation.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and to check weather and road conditions before visiting northern areas, where flooding, landslides and debris flows could disrupt transportation.
Citizens have been urged to stay informed through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application and to contact local authorities or rescue services in case of emergencies.
The NDMA has directed all provincial and district administrations to maintain vigilance and implement precautionary measures to minimize the impact of the approaching weather system.
