Warning forecasts rain accompanied by thunderstorms, wind storms and dust storms in most parts of the country
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a nationwide weather alert on Sunday, warning that thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rainfall, urban flooding and glacier-related flooding could affect several parts of Pakistan over the next 12 to 24 hours, with vulnerable mountainous areas facing an elevated threat of inundation from lake floods, glacial inundation, floods of glaciers.
According to the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), the forecast is consistent with the seasonal outlook issued three to four months ago.
The NDMA said it has continuously provided advance warnings and risk assessments to relevant federal, provincial and district authorities to ensure timely preparedness and effective response measures ahead of potential emergencies.
The warning predicts rain accompanied by thunderstorms, gusts of wind and dust storms in most parts of the country.
In Punjab and Islamabad, rainfall is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghi, Dera Ghi, Sawali, Okay Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.
Read: Pre-monsoon rain disrupts daily life
In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), thunderstorm and rainfall are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, and Bhi Mirmber.
The NDMA also issued a separate warning regarding the risk of GLOFs in GB, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and AJK. Authorities warned that GLOF events could trigger flash floods, landslides and debris flows in vulnerable mountain areas.
In KP, rainfall with thundershower is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
Balochistan is also likely to receive thunderstorm and rain in Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar and Zhob, while parts of Sindh including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Karachi may experience strong winds, isolated storms and dust storms.
Read more: Storms ravage fruit farms in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
The NDMA further said that district administrations and relevant agencies are maintaining continuous surveillance of vulnerable areas and have been asked to remain on high alert. Rescue and emergency teams have also been instructed to ensure preparedness for any development situation.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before visiting the northern regions, where road closures due to flooding, landslides and debris flows remain a possibility.
The authority urged citizens to stay updated through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application and to immediately contact the local administration and rescue services in case of an emergency.
The NDMA directed all provincial and district authorities to remain alert and take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the expected weather system.
