Says various parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to see rain with thunderstorm
The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday warned of nationwide thunderstorms and rainfall in the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to an advisory issued by the authority, a system of westerly winds coming in from the southwest belt of Balochistan is likely to affect most regions, bringing rain accompanied by strong winds and storms.
The NDMA warned that sustained rainfall could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock and Chakwal. Residents in exposed locations have been advised to remain alert and take precautions to minimize potential damage.
Thunderstorm rains and strong winds are expected in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin during the next 12 to 24 hours. Rain is also likely in Khushab, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.
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The advisory stated that various parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are expected to experience rain accompanied by thundershowers, dust storms and strong winds, with chances of hailstorm at isolated places.
In view of the expected downpour, the NDMA has issued a warning of possible flooding in several districts of KP and Balochistan. Flash floods are expected in Balochistan, especially in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Zhob and Lasbela.
In KP, flood-like conditions are expected in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Parachinar, Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi. The authorities have advised on precautions in exposed areas.
Snowfall is also expected in the upper and hilly areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and KP during the next 12 to 24 hours.
Thunderstorm rains and strong winds are likely in several districts of KP including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur. Dust storms, strong winds and rain are also expected in Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
NDMA also predicts rainfall in parts of GB and Azad Kashmir including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli and Neelum Valley.
In Balochistan, rain is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar and Lasbela during the same period.
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Thunderstorm rains are also expected in Sindh cities including Kashmore, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Shahdadkot, Khairpur and Larkana.
The NDMA warned that strong winds, lightning and hail can damage weak structures, trees and power lines. Rain can make roads slippery and disrupt traffic, while snowfall in mountainous areas is likely to affect travel.
Continuous rainfall in hilly areas can increase the risk of landslides. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, drive carefully and follow official weather advice. During high winds and storms, the public has been urged to stay away from trees, fragile structures and installations.
The authority also advised tourists and travelers heading to northern areas to be cautious and check weather and road conditions in advance, while urging citizens to get timely updates through its official mobile application, “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert.”
Meanwhile, the NDMA has directed all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and take necessary measures to cope with the expected weather situation.
