NDMA warns of heatwave, flash floods and landslides across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather advisory for May 26 to 31, warning of rising temperatures, possible heatwaves, glacier melting, flash floods, and landslides in different parts of the country.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), temperatures in several areas may rise between 40°C and 48°C during the coming days.

On the instructions of the Prime Minister, the NDMA has started a nationwide review of emergency preparations to deal with heat-related risks and possible weather emergencies. Provincial authorities have also begun awareness campaigns, emergency response planning, cooling centers, and medical support arrangements.

Northern Areas Face Flood and Landslide Risks

The NDMA said northern regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and nearby mountainous areas, face increased risks due to rapid glacier melting.

Areas including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, and Upper Kohistan are considered vulnerable to floods and landslides.

Authorities warned that landslides could disrupt roads connecting Shamshal, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shaskat Bala, and Pasu. Temporary road closures may also occur on Shir Valley Road, Skardu Road, Deosai Road, and the Karakoram Highway.

Flood-like situations may develop in areas such as Darkot, Lasht, Reshan, Boni, Kumrat, and nearby regions because of glacier and glacial lake melting.

Severe Heat Expected in Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab

The NDMA warned that Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab are likely to experience intense heatwave conditions.

In Sindh, very high temperatures are expected in Jacobabad, Dadu, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Sanghar, Umerkot, and Mirpurkhas.

In Balochistan, severe heat is expected in Chagai, Washuk, Kharan, Turbat, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jafarabad, and nearby areas.

Punjab cities including Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Muzaffargarh, Bhakkar, Layyah, Lahore, Sahiwal, and Kasur may also face stronger heatwave conditions.

NDMA Issues Safety Instructions

The NDMA has directed all departments to remain fully prepared for emergencies in sensitive areas.

People have been advised to wear light-colored and loose clothes, avoid unnecessary travel during extreme heat, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Tourists and residents in mountainous areas have also been advised to stay updated about weather conditions due to possible landslides and road blockages.

The NDMA further advised citizens to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for official weather updates and safety alerts.