NDMA issues alert for rain, storms and snowfall across country

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), has issued a weather alert for the next 12 to 24 hours, warning of widespread rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and snowfall in northern areas.

The alert states that most parts of the country are expected to experience strong winds, dust storms, and heavy rain, along with the possibility of hailstorms in several areas. In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, snowfall is also likely in upper and mountainous regions during this period.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Malakand, Kohistan, Mingora, Battagram, Haripur, Peshawar, and Mansehra may experience thunderstorms, rain, and strong winds. Other areas such as Abbottabad, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan are also expected to receive rain with gusty winds.

In Punjab, including Islamabad, cities such as Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, and Mandi Bahauddin are likely to face thunderstorms and strong winds along with rain.

Rain is also expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir areas including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Astore, Diamer, Kharmang, Shigar, Ghizer, Nagar, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli, Poonch, Kotli, and Neelum Valley.

In Balochistan, cities such as Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Pishin, Barkhan, and Kohlu are likely to experience strong winds and rainfall over the next 12 to 24 hours.

NDMA has warned that strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms may damage weak structures, trees, standing crops, and electricity lines. Rain may also make roads slippery and disrupt traffic flow, while snowfall in mountainous areas could further affect travel.

There is also an increased risk of landslides in hilly regions due to continuous rainfall. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, drive carefully, and follow official weather guidelines.

People are urged to stay away from trees, weak buildings, and installations during storms. Tourists and travelers planning to visit northern areas are advised to check weather and road conditions before traveling.

The public can stay updated through NDMA’s official mobile application, “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert.” Authorities have also directed all provincial and district administrations to remain alert and take necessary measures to handle the situation.