The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a cautionary advisory urging residents and travelers in northern Pakistan to remain vigilant as a fresh wave of rain and snowfall is forecasted to persist until March 16. This weather pattern is expected to significantly elevate the risk of natural hazards such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and travel disruptions across several mountainous regions.
In its detailed communication to media outlets, the NDMA emphasized that local government bodies and relevant departments have been instructed to maintain heightened readiness and continuous monitoring of the evolving situation. Authorities are closely watching vulnerable areas where the combination of precipitation and rising temperatures could trigger sudden glacial melts, leading to flash floods and other emergencies.
The impending weather system is predicted to impact key northern territories, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Within Gilgit-Baltistan, areas such as Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, and Shigar are expected to experience varying intensities of rain and snowfall. Similarly, parts of Azad Kashmir including Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and the Neelum Valley are also forecasted to receive precipitation, raising concerns about localized flooding and landslide incidents.
Meanwhile, several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, notably Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, and Battagram, are likely to witness rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. The accumulation of snow at higher elevations is anticipated to create hazardous road conditions, increasing the chances of accidents and making travel particularly perilous. The NDMA highlighted that persistent wet weather could further exacerbate the risk of avalanches in these mountainous zones, posing additional threats to both residents and travelers.
Officials have also warned that the adverse weather conditions may lead to temporary power outages in some localities due to storm-related disruptions. The combination of rising temperatures and ongoing precipitation is especially concerning as it can accelerate glacier melting, potentially causing sudden glacial lake outburst floods in sensitive districts such as Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Gilgit, Astore, and Skardu. These flash floods can have devastating impacts on communities and infrastructure downstream.
Landslides triggered by the continuous rain and snowfall are expected to affect critical mountain routes, including the strategically important Karakoram Highway. Regions like Diamer, Darel, Tangir, Astore, and Hunza are particularly vulnerable to such events, which could obstruct roadways and disrupt the flow of goods and people. The NDMA has urged motorists and transport operators to exercise extreme caution and stay updated on weather advisories to avoid getting stranded or caught in hazardous situations.
In light of these developments, authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure timely response and mitigation measures. Emergency services have been put on alert, and contingency plans are being reviewed to address any potential disasters swiftly. The public is encouraged to heed warnings, avoid unnecessary travel in high-risk areas, and report any signs of landslides or flooding to local officials immediately.
