The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a cautionary advisory urging residents and travelers in northern Pakistan to remain vigilant due to ongoing and forecasted rain and snowfall expected to persist through March 16. These weather conditions have heightened concerns over potential glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and interruptions to transportation networks in the mountainous regions.
In a detailed communication shared with various media outlets, an NDMA spokesperson emphasized that local government bodies and relevant disaster response departments have been instructed to maintain a state of readiness. Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving weather patterns to promptly respond to any emergencies that may arise. The spokesperson highlighted that the combination of precipitation and rising temperatures could exacerbate the risk of natural hazards, particularly in vulnerable high-altitude zones.
The anticipated weather system is expected to impact several northern areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Specific locations forecasted to experience rain and snowfall include Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, and Shigar in Gilgit-Baltistan. Similarly, parts of Azad Kashmir such as Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and the Neelum Valley are also likely to see adverse weather conditions. Additionally, rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is predicted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mountainous districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, and Battagram.
Experts warn that snowfall at higher elevations will likely make roadways slippery and treacherous, significantly increasing the possibility of landslides. The persistent precipitation is also expected to raise the risk of avalanches, posing serious threats to the safety of residents and travelers alike. These conditions may disrupt daily life, with the NDMA cautioning that power outages could occur in some affected localities due to the severe weather.
Of particular concern is the potential for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which can occur when rising temperatures cause glaciers to melt rapidly, leading to sudden and destructive flooding downstream. Districts such as Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Gilgit, Astore, and Skardu are identified as especially vulnerable to these events. The NDMA has urged communities in these areas to stay alert and follow any directives issued by local authorities to mitigate risks.
Moreover, landslides triggered by the combination of rain and snow may obstruct critical mountain routes, including the vital Karakoram Highway, which serves as a key artery for trade and travel between Pakistan and China. Regions like Diamer, Darel, Tangir, Astore, and Hunza have been singled out as particularly prone to such incidents, where blocked roads could lead to significant delays and logistical challenges.
In light of these developments, the NDMA continues to coordinate with provincial disaster management authorities and emergency services to ensure timely interventions and public safety measures. Travelers are strongly advised to check weather updates regularly, avoid unnecessary journeys in high-risk zones, and prepare for possible disruptions. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities are committed to providing ongoing updates as conditions evolve.
