Rain-Thunderstorm Forecast: NDMA Issued Advisory Alerts

News Desk

Islamabad: Following a rain-thunderstorm forecast from the Met Office from May 22 to 26, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory alert to all the federal and provincial departments concerned to ensure disaster preparedness measures.

The NDMA advisory report said that the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that a westerly wave was likely to enter the western and upper parts of the country on May 22, which was likely to persist throughout the week, i.e., till May 26, resulting in precipitation with occasional gaps.

Under the influence of this weather system, from May 22 (evening or night) to May 26, wind, dust, thunder, and rain with likely hailstorms (and isolated heavy falls) are expected in the regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.

In addition, from May 23 (evening or night) to May 26, the aforementioned weather will prevail in Sargodha, Mianwali, Layyah, Khushab, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Jhang, T.T. Singh, Sheikhupura, Nankana, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Sialkot, Kasur, Pakpattan, Okara, Sahiwal, Lahore, R.Y. Khan, Bahawalnagar, Multan, D.G. Khan, and Rajanpur, and also in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). From May 22 (evening or night) to May 24, wind, dust or thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in Balochistan and Sindh.

In light of the forecast, the following specific impacts are expected: heavy hailstorms or thunderstorms that could endanger lives (human and livestock) and property; dust storms or windstorms to cause damage to loose structures such as under-construction buildings, hoardings, tall trees, etc.; and strong winds that may cause damage to standing crops in Punjab, KP, and AJK between May 23 and 25. High temperatures are likely to subside during the wet spell.

The general population is recommended to stay in safe areas during the dust, wind, and thunderstorm, and tourists are advised to schedule their activities accordingly. Heavy rainfall may induce or trigger landslides or avalanches, interrupt transportation, and cause landslides.

The following is to be ensured by all concerned in addition to measures deemed appropriate as per the on-ground situation or requirements:

Firstly, local administrations should assess and plan the deployment of additional resources and exercise control over traffic leading to and in the vicinity of vulnerable choke points, tourist spots, and attractions.

Secondly, the local administrations, DDMAs, and rescue officials should identify and secure loose infrastructure, such as buildings under construction, advertisement hoardings, etc., to prevent losses or damages and save precious lives.

Thirdly, the authorities concerned should engage local communities at traditionally and historically dangerous or hazard-prone sites to enable round-the-clock monitoring and establish feedback mechanisms for early warnings and alerts for at-risk populations.

And lastly, it also demanded coordination with relevant district and municipal administrations to ensure mitigation and preparedness measures against landslides, flash flooding, and hill torrents and to secure or remove billboards and hoardings in view of thunderstorms, high winds, and hailstorms.

The NDMA also mandated that farmers and cattle and sheep herders be adequately informed about the negative effects on standing crops and livestock. To protect their crops from the negative impacts of thunderstorms or hailstorms, farmers are to be urged to take all required mitigating and preventative measures, such as timely harvesting, secure storage, or any other precaution.

Additionally, it is recommended that cattle and sheep herders take the appropriate preventative and mitigating actions to save their animals from the harmful impacts of thunderstorms and hailstorms.

Travelers on provincial and national highways in at-risk or affected areas should be forewarned of adverse conditions and be guided towards or detoured to safe waiting areas under the guidance of respective Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMAs), local authorities, etc.