ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Heavy rainfall accompanied by powerful windstorms, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms and flash floods expected in Azad Kashmir, KP, GB. Previously they also lashed Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and nearby areas on Sunday, causing damage to standing wheat crops.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued alerts for continued heavy rain and potential hailstorms across the federal capital, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmirs (AJK). Meaning that chances of a flash floods expected in Azad Kashmir, KP, GB can also be seen.
Due to the downpour, water levels in Nullah Lai have continued to rise, reaching 5 feet at Katarian and 4 feet at Gawalmandi. Authorities have instructed relevant departments to implement precautionary measures along the stream.
A pre-alert will be issued if the water level exceeds 11 feet at Katarian. The district administration has also directed all relevant institutions to remain vigilant amid ongoing rainfall.
The Meteorological Department has warned of thunderstorms and snowfall in Azad Kashmir over the next 4 to 8 hours. Areas including Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian Bala, Bagh, Haveli, Sidhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur are expected to receive more rainfall, possible hail and possibly flash floods expected in Azad Kashmir.
Additionally, the Pakistan Meteorological Department earlier forecast another wave of intense weather, including hailstones the size of golf balls, affecting regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and parts of northern Punjab.
Over the next 3 to 6 hours, thunderstorms with gusty winds and rain are anticipated in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Chakwal, Attock, and Jhelum, with isolated hailstorms in some localities.
Further severe weather is expected within the next 4 to 8 hours in areas of Azad Kashmir such as Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sidhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur, along with several districts in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Buner, Swabi, and Malakand, is also likely to experience heavy downpours and hailstorms.
The Met Office has cautioned about potential landslides and flash floods in mountainous areas of GB, Kashmir, and upper KP, urging travelers to restrict movement and remain cautious for the next 24 hours.
It is important to mention that on April 16, Islamabad and surrounding areas were struck by an unexpected and intense hailstorm that blanketed the city in white, creating scenes reminiscent of winter.
Golf ball-sized hailstones damaged houses, vehicles, solar panels, and EV charging stations. Although traffic disruptions occurred and emergency services were deployed, no injuries were reported. Authorities remain on high alert as another round of severe weather approaches.
