Wind-Dust, Thunderstorm-Rain Forecast

News Desk

Islamabad: In light of the Met Office weather forecast, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory alert to all the federal and provincial departments concerned to ensure disaster preparedness measures against wind-dust and thunderstorm-rain forecasts in the upper and central parts of the country.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast that a westerly wave is likely to enter the western and upper parts of the country on May 28 and would likely persist until May 31.

Under the influence of this weather system, wind, dust, thunderstorms, and rain are expected in Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh, with temperatures remaining normal to below normal (May 28-31).

However, wind dust, thunderstorms, rain, a few hailstorms, and isolated heavy walls with occasional gaps are predicted in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) urban and rural areas during the period.

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 lose structures such as under-construction buildings, hoardings, tall trees, etc.; and strong winds that may cause damage to standing crops

The general public is advised to seek shelter in safe areas such as sturdy buildings or underground structures during dust, wind, and hail storms and avoid objects that pose a risk of falling or being struck by lightning. NDMA also demanded that emergency services personnel be available during the period.

The provincial disaster management authorities and others are required to undertake measures as per their respective mandates. 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.

The local administration will secure loose infrastructure, such as buildings under construction and advertisement hoardings, etc., to prevent losses and damages and save precious lives. Moreover, engage local communities at traditionally dangerous, hazard-prone sites to enable round-the-clock monitoring and establish feedback mechanisms for early warnings and alerts for at-risk populations.

It also demanded coordination with relevant district and municipal administrations to ensure mitigation and preparedness measures for landslides, flash flooding, hill torrents, and to secure or remove billboards or hoardings because of thunderstorms, high winds, and hailstorms.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/ndma-issues-flood-glof-alert-due-to-rain-likelihood/

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.

Travellers 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 the respective Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), local authorities, National Highway and Motorway Police, law enforcement agencies (LEAs), etc.