NDMA urges vigilance as rain, thunderstorms, & snowfall expected

ISLAMABAD, Mar 26 (APP): The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday urged the public to remain vigilant as thunderstorms, rain, and snowfall forecast across the country.

According to the alert, a system of westerly winds is likely to bring further showers along with strong winds and windstorms in most parts of the country during the next 12 to 24 hours.

Snowfall is expected in the upper and mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the next 12 to 24 hours, while rain, windstorms, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms are likely in parts of Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Rain accompanied by strong winds, dust storms, and thunderstorms is expected in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, and Mianwali over the next 12 to 24 hours.

Rain is also likely in Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan.

Rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the next 12 to 24 hours, while rain with windstorms is also likely in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan.

Rain is also expected in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Neelum Valley.

Rain is also likely in cities of Balochistan including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Qilla Saifullah, Qilla Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar, and Lasbela over the next 12 to 24 hours.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) cautioned that strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms across the country may damage weak structures, trees, and power lines. It added that rain could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic flow, while snowfall in mountainous areas may also affect travel, advising commuters to exercise vigilance.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has cautioned that persistent rainfall in mountainous regions may heighten the risk of landslides. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution while driving, and strictly follow official weather advisories.

Authorities further advised the public to stay clear of trees, weak structures, and installations during strong winds and storms. Tourists and travelers planning trips to northern areas have been instructed to check weather and road conditions beforehand.

The NDMA encouraged citizens to remain updated through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application. Provincial and district administrations have been directed to stay vigilant and take all necessary measures to cope with the expected weather situation.