MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) of Azad Kashmir on Monday predicted rain and heavy snowfall in the upper and hilly areas of Azad Kashmir from Jan 26 to 27 (Tuesday evening).
The SDMA has issued a warning of landslides and avalanches in the mountainous areas of the regions for the next two days, with the risk of slippery roads, difficulties in transportation, and closure of roads in the upper areas.
The disaster authority has instructed citizens, and especially tourists, to avoid unnecessary travel and to wear warm clothes in view of the severe cold.
Earlier, the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued landslide alerts for multiple regions of the country in view of a weather system bringing heavy rain and snowfall from January 26 to 27.
The authority issued a ‘high-level landslide alert’ for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while a medium-level landslide alert for several districts of Balochistan.
According to NEOC, heavy rain and snowfall are expected to affect districts including Dir, Swat, Kalam, Kaghan, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Murree (Galiyat), Astore, Bunji, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, and surrounding mountainous regions.
“In Balochistan, widespread rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and moderate to heavy snowfall are expected over the next 24 to 48 hours, affecting both highland and lowland districts, including Quetta, Ziarat, Pishin, Chaman, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Zhob, Harnai, Kalat, Mastung, Awaran, Panjgur, Noshki, and Khuzdar,” the press release said.
NEOC also warned of road blockages, traffic disruptions, and temporary isolation of remote communities, especially along key routes such as the Karakoram Highway, N-15 (Babusar Route), Kaghan–Naran Road, Swat Valley corridors, Astore Road, and Skardu Road.
NDMA advises the general public to avoid unnecessary travel in hilly and landslide-prone areas during the alert period and to remain vigilant for early warning signs such as falling debris, surface cracks, or unusual sounds.
“Travelers and tourists are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid traveling during or immediately after heavy rainfall or snowfall,” it stated.
NDMA further advised the provincial and district disaster management authorities, local administrations, and relevant departments to remain on high alert, ensure readiness of emergency response teams, and keep road clearance machinery operational for timely response.
