ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): With Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Kashmir expected to face severe weather conditions, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised the public to exercise caution while on road.
It warned that rain and snowfall are expected across northern Pakistan through March 16, raising concerns over glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and travel disruptions.
In a special message, an NDMA spokesperson said local administrations and relevant departments have been instructed to remain prepared and maintain vigilant monitoring.
The risk of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides may increase in mountainous regions as a new spell of rain and snowfall is expected, the spokesperson said and added that the weather system is likely to affect Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and the upper districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa from today through March 16.
According to forecasts, rain and snowfall is expected in several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan including Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer and Shigar.
Similar conditions are predicted for parts of Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and the Neelum Valley.
Rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is also likely in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam and Battagram.
The advisory said that snowfall at higher altitudes may create slippery road conditions and significantly raise the risk of landslides.
Persistent rain and snow
Persistent rain and snow might further increase the likelihood of avalanches in mountainous areas.
The official further warned that the adverse weather could disrupt travel and may lead to temporary power outages in some localities, adding that rising temperatures combined with rainfall could heighten the chances of glacial lake outburst floods in vulnerable areas.
There are also concerns about sudden flooding caused by accelerated glacier melt in districts such as Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Gilgit, Astore and Skardu.
Meanwhile, regions such as Diamer, Darel, Tangir, Astore and Hunza remain particularly prone to landslides. Any such incidents could block roads and cause interruptions to transport in these areas.
