The NDMA also warned that rising temperatures could accelerate glacier and snowmelt in northern regions. PHOTO: APP
The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued a nationwide weather alert warning that several parts of Pakistan are likely to experience heavy rains, windstorms, thunderstorms and hailstorms during the next 12 to 24 hours due to the prevailing weather conditions already predicted in the country’s seasonal forecast.
According to NDMA’s Media Wing, the current weather pattern was fully in line with NEOC’s previous climate assessment issued three to four months ago for the April-June period.
The authority said Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to receive widespread rainfall accompanied by strong winds and hail at isolated places.
The warning stated that heavy rain and thundershowers were expected in Islamabad, Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Gujar Khan, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Layyah, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Kasur, Mian,walihang, Mian,wali.
In GB and Azad Kashmir, rainfall with thundershowers was expected at Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber.
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NEOC also predicts strong winds and thundershowers in several districts of KP including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mardan, Bajaur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakkia Marwat, Tanks, Tanks and There are likely to be some locations.
The NDMA warned that rising temperatures could accelerate glacier and snowmelt in northern regions, increasing the risk of glacial lake outbursts (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides in vulnerable mountain areas.
Citizens were advised to avoid visiting glacial lakes and dangerous slopes, while travelers were urged to exercise caution as bad weather could disrupt movement in hilly areas. The authority also warned that strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak structures, solar panels and vehicles.
The NDMA urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel in severe weather conditions, stay in safe places during wind storms and follow instructions issued by local authorities and weather advisory authorities.
The authority further directed all relevant departments and emergency agencies to remain on high alert and ensure advance preparedness measures to deal with any potential emergency.
