Islamabad: The National Emergencies Operation Center of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert regarding expected weather conditions and potential hazards in various areas of the country, notably targeting Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, over the next twelve to twenty-four hours.
According to Radio Pakistan, isolated incidents of rainfall, thunderstorms, and windstorms are forecasted in parts of Punjab. These include Murree, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujar Khan, Jhelum, Gujrat, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and surrounding areas.
Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to experience isolated rainfall, thunderstorms, and windstorms in regions such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Swabi, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and surrounding areas.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, similar weather patterns with isolated rainfall, thunderstorms, and windstorms are expected in areas including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Rawalakot, Kotli, Haveli, Poonch, Mirpur, Bhimber, and surrounding areas. There is also a possibility of isolated hailstorms during this period.
The northern areas face risks of glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and increased water flow in streams and rivers due to the expected weather. Rain-induced flooding and landslides could result in road closures, with road links including Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala, and Passu identified as sensitive.
The risk of road blockages due to landslides is particularly high on roads such as Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, Deosai Road, and the Karakoram Highway. In response, NDMA has instructed relevant authorities to remain vigilant along sensitive highways and in mountainous regions.
Tourists and travelers planning to visit the northern areas are advised to check weather forecasts and road conditions prior to their journeys. The public is encouraged to stay informed through the official NDMA app, "Pak NDMA Disaster Alert."