NDMA Issues Nationwide Alert Over Heavy Rain and Flood Risks

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a countrywide weather advisory, warning that thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain are likely to hit several regions over the next 12 to 24 hours.

The authority also flagged the possibility of urban flooding, flash floods, landslides and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in high-risk areas, especially in mountainous zones where glacier-related flooding remains a persistent danger.

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) said the current weather pattern matches the seasonal forecast issued three to four months earlier. NDMA noted it has been steadily sharing advance warnings and risk assessments with federal, provincial and district authorities so they can prepare and respond in time for any emergency.

Storms and Rain Forecast Nationwide

The advisory predicts rain along with thunderstorms, windstorms and dust storms across most of the country.

Punjab and Islamabad

Rainfall is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir

Thunderstorms and rain are likely across Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur and Bhimber.

NDMA issued a separate warning on GLOF risk for Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, cautioning that such events can set off sudden flooding, landslides and debris flows in exposed mountain areas.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rain with thunderstorms is forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

Balochistan and Sindh

Balochistan may see thunderstorms and rain in Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar and Zhob. In Sindh, areas including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Karachi could experience strong winds, dust storms and isolated rainfall.

Authorities on High Alert

NDMA said district administrations and relevant agencies are keeping a close watch on vulnerable areas and have been told to stay on high alert. Rescue and emergency response teams have also been told to remain ready to act as the situation develops.

Advisory for Travelers

Tourists and travelers have been urged to avoid unnecessary trips during heavy rain and to check weather updates and road conditions before heading to northern areas, where landslides, flooding and debris flows could close roads.

The authority asked citizens to stay informed through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application and to reach out to local administration and rescue services right away in case of an emergency.

NDMA has directed all provincial and district authorities to stay alert and take precautionary steps to limit the impact of the approaching weather system.