ISLAMABAD, May 20 (APP):National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday sounded a nationwide weather alert, warning that heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and hailstorms could batter large parts of Pakistan over the next 12 to 24 hours, raising fears of damage to homes, crops, power lines and disruption to traffic and travel. The warning issued by the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) said the weather system is expected to …
NDMA issues heavy rain, hail storm alert for Next 12–24 hours across Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, May 20 (APP):National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday sounded a nationwide weather alert, warning that heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and hailstorms could batter large parts of Pakistan over the next 12 to 24 hours, raising fears of damage to homes, crops, power lines and disruption to traffic and travel.
The warning issued by the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) said the weather system is expected to affect Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with rain and thunderstorms forecast in major cities and northern regions.
Islamabad and Punjab cities, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin are likely to receive rain accompanied by gusty winds and possible hail.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is expected in Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera and several other districts, while Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman and surrounding areas in Balochistan are also likely to witness stormy weather.
The NDMA warned that lightning, strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak structures, standing crops, trees and electricity infrastructure, while slippery roads may disrupt traffic flow.
Authorities urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, remain cautious during storms and check weather and road conditions before heading to northern areas. All provincial and district disaster management authorities have been directed to stay on high alert.
