NDMA warns of rain, hail and landslide risk in northern regions

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority has issued a weather alert for the next 12 to 24 hours, warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain, hailstorms, flash flooding, glacial lake outburst floods and landslides in parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, widespread rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds is expected in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujar Khan, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the forecast covers Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Batagram, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan. Similar conditions are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch and Bhimber.

Risks to infrastructure, crops and travel

The authority said hailstorms could accompany rainfall in several areas, creating risks for weak structures, vulnerable installations and standing crops. It also warned that strong winds may affect power supply and damage infrastructure.

The NDMA said rising temperatures combined with rainfall in northern mountainous areas could trigger glacial lake outburst floods, raise water levels in rivers and streams, and increase the danger of landslides. It added that flooding and slope failures could lead to road closures.

Areas identified as facing greater landslide risk include Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan and mountainous parts of Azad Kashmir. The authority said the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road, Jaglot-Skardu Road, Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road and Deosai Road were among the key routes vulnerable to disruption.

The NDMA also flagged road links between Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala and Passu as sensitive because of the possibility of landslides and other weather-related interruptions.

Authorities asked to stay prepared

Tourist destinations and mountainous areas such as Kalam, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Patan and Chitral Valley may also face travel disruptions during the forecast period, according to the authority.

The NDMA directed provincial and district administrations, rescue services and road maintenance agencies to remain alert and maintain preparedness for any emergency. It also advised tourists and other travellers to review weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling to northern areas.

The authority urged the public to stay updated through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for timely weather information and emergency advisories.