NDMA warns of severe weather and flood risks across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority has issued a nationwide advisory warning that thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rain, urban flooding and glacier-related flood threats could affect multiple parts of Pakistan over the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre, the expected weather pattern matches the seasonal outlook released three to four months ago. The authority said it has continued to share advance warnings and risk assessments with federal, provincial and district authorities so preparedness and response steps can be taken ahead of any emergency.

Areas likely to be affected

The advisory said rain accompanied by thunderstorms, windstorms and dust storms is expected in most parts of the country. In Punjab and Islamabad, rainfall is forecast for Rawalpindi, 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.

In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, thunderstorms and rain are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur and Bhimber.

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the NDMA said 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.

In Balochistan, thunderstorms and rain are likely in Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar and Zhob. Parts of Sindh, including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Karachi, may face strong winds, dust storms and rain at isolated places.

Glacial lake flood alert

The NDMA also issued a separate warning over the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. It said such incidents could lead to sudden flooding, landslides and debris flows in vulnerable mountainous areas.

The authority said district administrations and relevant agencies are continuously monitoring vulnerable locations and have been told to remain on high alert. Rescue and emergency response teams have also been directed to stay ready for any developing situation.

Public advisory

The NDMA advised tourists and other travellers to avoid unnecessary movement during periods of heavy rainfall and to review weather updates and road conditions before heading to northern areas, where flooding, landslides and debris flows could lead to road closures.

It also urged the public to stay informed through the official NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application and to contact local administration and rescue services immediately in case of an emergency. The authority directed all provincial and district administrations to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to reduce the impact of the expected weather system.