The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent weather warning for the upcoming 12 to 24 hours, forecasting thunderstorms, heavy rain, hailstorms, flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and landslides across northern Pakistan. The alert covers various regions including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Widespread rainfall accompanied by thunder and strong winds is expected in Islamabad and numerous districts of Punjab such as Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujar Khan, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
In KP, areas forecasted to receive rain and thunderstorms include Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Batagram, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan. Similar conditions are anticipated in GB and Azad Kashmir, impacting locations such as Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, and Bhimber.
The NDMA cautioned that hailstorms may accompany the rainfall in many parts, threatening weak structures, vulnerable installations, and standing crops. Additionally, strong winds could lead to power outages and damage to infrastructure.
In a significant development, the authority warned that rising temperatures combined with precipitation in mountainous northern regions could trigger glacial lake outburst floods, elevate river and stream water levels, and increase landslide risks. This may result in road closures due to flooding and slope failures.
Regions at a heightened risk of landslides include Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and mountainous zones of Azad Kashmir. Critical highways and roads identified as vulnerable are the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road, Jaglot-Skardu Road, Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, and Deosai Road. Furthermore, road links between Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala, and Passu have been designated sensitive due to potential landslides and weather-related disruptions.
Tourist spots and mountainous areas such as Kalam, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Patan, and Chitral Valley may face travel interruptions during this period.
The NDMA has directed provincial and district administrations, rescue teams, and road maintenance departments to stay alert and ready to respond to emergencies. Tourists and travelers are advised to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions closely before planning trips to northern areas.
To ensure public safety, the authority urged citizens to stay updated through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application, which provides timely weather information and emergency advisories.
