The National Disaster Management Authority (MA) has issued a sweeping nationwide advisory, cautioning that a potent weather system is set to unleash thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall across large swathes of the country within the next 12 to 24 hours. The alert places particular emphasis on the elevated risks of urban flooding, flash floods, landslides, and the ever-present danger of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the northern mountainous regions.
Regional Breakdown of the Impending Storm
The weather system is expected to be widespread, touching down in major urban centres and remote valleys alike. The NDMA has provided a granular forecast for the areas likely to be affected:
- Punjab and Islamabad: Rain, wind, and dust storms are forecast for Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore,aisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
- Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Thunderstorms and rainfall are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur, and Bhimber.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rain and thunderstorms are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
- Balochistan and Sindh:storms and rain are anticipated in Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar, and Zhob, while parts of Sindh, including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Karachi, may experience strong winds, dust storms, and isolated.
High Alert for Glacial Lake Outbursts in the North
In a separate more targeted warning, the NDMA has amplified its alert regarding the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Az Kashmir. The agency cautioned that a GLOF event could trigger sudden and catastrophic flooding, landslides, and debris flows in vulnerable mountainous valleys with little to no warning.
The NDMA confirmed that district administrations and relevant agencies are engaged in continuous monitoring of fragile zones and have been directed to remain the highest state of alert. Rescue and emergency response teams have been instructed to ensure full operational readiness for any developing situation.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to avoid all non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall. For those already in or planning to visit the northern areas, the authority urged them to check weather forecasts and road conditions meticulously, as road closures from flooding and landslides remain a significant possibility.
The NDMA has urged citizens to stay informed through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application and to immediately contact local administration and rescue services in case of any emergency.
