The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a nationwide weather alert, warning that thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, landslides and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks could affect parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir over the next 12 to 24 hours, while northern mountainous regions are expected to remain vulnerable to weather related hazards from June 13 to 15.
Storms, flood threat loom over northern regions: NDMA
ISLAMABAD, Jun 12 (APP): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a nationwide weather alert, warning that thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, landslides and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks could affect parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir over the next 12 to 24 hours, while northern mountainous regions are expected to remain vulnerable to weather related hazards from June 13 to 15.
The advisory is issued by the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) to ensure timely preparedness and response by all relevant authorities.
According to the NDMA, the prevailing weather pattern is in line with the seasonal forecast issued by the NEOC three to four months earlier, highlighting the effectiveness of its early warning and risk assessment system. The authority said advance weather outlooks are helping government institutions undertake timely preparations and strengthen emergency response measures.
In Punjab, rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur and Hasilpur.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to receive thunderstorms and rainfall in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Mingora, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan.
Similar weather conditions are forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch and Bhimber.
In Balochistan, thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in Zhob, Musakhel, Barkhan, Kohlu, Dera Bugti and Sui.
The NDMA further warned that rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melt could increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, landslides and surging water flows in rivers and streams across northern regions between June 13 and 15. Areas considered particularly vulnerable include Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Astore, Diamer, Upper and Lower Chitral, Swat, Kalam and Bahrain.
The authority cautioned that increased water flow in local streams, combined with rainfall and glacier melt, could disrupt traffic on key highways and link roads. Landslides may block important routes, including the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road, Jaglot-Skardu Road, Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road and Deosai Road.
The NDMA has directed all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures.
Tourists and travellers have been advised to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling to northern areas. The authority also urged citizens to stay updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for timely information and safety advisories.
