ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP):The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued a nationwide weather alert warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms, heatwave conditions, flash floods and glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks in various parts of the country from May 11 to 18, urging authorities and citizens to take precautionary measures amid forecasts of extreme weather events. According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the prevailing weather pattern is …
NDMA sounds alarm over storms, flood threats & extreme heat
ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP):The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued a nationwide weather alert warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms, heatwave conditions, flash floods and glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks in various parts of the country from May 11 to 18, urging authorities and citizens to take precautionary measures amid forecasts of extreme weather events.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the prevailing weather pattern is in line with seasonal forecasts issued three to four months earlier for the April-June period, reflecting the growing intensity of climate related hazards across Pakistan.
The authority said rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected over the next 12 to 24 hours in parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, with isolated incidents of hailstorms also likely.
In Punjab, Islamabad, Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Gujar Khan, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore and Kasur were among the areas expected to receive rain and gusty winds.
Similar weather conditions were forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber.
The NDMA also warned of thunderstorms and possible hailstorms in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mardan, Bajaur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
Separately, the authority issued a GLOF alert for northern regions from May 11 to 17, warning that rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melting could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas.
The NDMA identified Hunza, Ghizer, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan and Skardu among the regions facing heightened risks due to the rapid expansion of glacial lakes and increased water flow in sensitive valleys.
The authority further issued a heatwave alert from May 12 to 18 for southern and central Pakistan, forecasting severe heat for three to five days in lower Sindh, southern Punjab and eastern Balochistan.
Districts including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur in Punjab, along with Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Tharparkar and Umerkot in Sindh, are expected to remain under intense heatwave conditions.
In Balochistan, Turbat, Sibi, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Lasbela and Panjgur are also likely to experience extremely high temperatures.
The NDMA warned that the heatwave could increase the risk of heatstroke, dehydration and water shortages, particularly affecting children, elderly citizens, patients and outdoor workers.
It also cautioned that higher electricity demand and water stress could adversely impact agriculture and livestock sectors.
Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay hydrated, wear light clothing and remain indoors during severe weather conditions.
The authority also urged people to avoid glacier lake areas and unstable mountain slopes due to the risk of landslides and flash flooding.
The NDMA directed provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert, activate heatwave response plans, establish cooling centres and ensure uninterrupted water supply in vulnerable regions.
The authority also warned that strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak structures, solar panels and vehicles, while rainfall in hilly regions might disrupt travel and transportation.
People were advised to follow official weather advisories and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for timely updates and emergency information.
