Summary NDMA warns of storms, hail, landslides, and flash flood risks across northern Pakistan, urging travelers to remain cautious.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain, hailstorms, and potential natural hazards across parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected in several districts of Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujar Khan, and Sialkot.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rainfall is forecast in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Swabi, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan.
The alert also covers parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, and Bhimber.
NDMA warned that hailstorms and strong winds could damage vulnerable structures and infrastructure. Authorities also cautioned about the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and rising water levels in streams and rivers across northern mountainous regions.
The agency identified Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and mountainous areas of Azad Kashmir as particularly vulnerable to landslides. Roads connecting Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shiskat Bala, and Passu have been declared sensitive areas.
Officials further warned that landslides could disrupt traffic on major routes, including the Karakoram Highway, Skardu Road, Deosai Road, Naran Road, and the Jaglot-Skardu Road.
Tourist destinations such as Kalam, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Pattan, and Chitral Valley may also experience travel disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
NDMA has directed relevant authorities to remain on high alert and advised tourists and travelers to check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading to northern areas.
