ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a countrywide weather alert, warning that thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rainfall, urban flooding and glacier-related flood risks could affect multiple regions of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the forecast weather pattern is consistent with the seasonal outlook issued three to four months ago.
The authority said it has been continuously issuing 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 alert forecasts rain accompanied by thunderstorms, windstorms and dust storms in most parts of the country.
Weather in Punjab and Islamabad
Rainfall is expected in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.
GB and AJK
Thunderstorms and rainfall are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur and Bhimber.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Rainfall with thunderstorms is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
Balochistan
Balochistan is also likely to receive thunderstorms 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, dust storms and rainfall at isolated locations.
GLOF warning
The NDMA has also issued a separate alert regarding the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.
Authorities have warned that GLOF incidents could trigger sudden flooding, landslides and debris flows in vulnerable mountainous areas.
The NDMA said district administrations and relevant agencies have been continuously monitoring vulnerable areas and have been directed to remain on high alert.
Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before visiting northern regions, where road closures due to flooding, landslides and debris flows remain a possibility.
