NDMA issues weather alert for multiple regions as rain, thunderstorms expected

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), has issued a nationwide weather advisory warning of rain

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), has issued a nationwide weather advisory warning of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds in several parts of the country during the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to the latest alert, widespread rainfall is expected in upper parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while isolated areas of Balochistan are also likely to receive showers.

The advisory stated that Islamabad and several cities in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin, are likely to experience rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rainfall has been forecast for a number of districts including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan and Dera Ismail Khan. Authorities fear that heavy downpours in some areas may affect traffic flow and visibility on roads.

The weather system is also expected to affect parts of Balochistan, where rain and thunderstorms are predicted in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin and Sibi.

Meanwhile, several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to receive rainfall, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot.

The NDMA warned that thunderstorms and hailstorms may accompany the rain in vulnerable regions, posing risks to weak infrastructure, electricity transmission lines, trees and agricultural crops. Officials cautioned that strong winds and lightning could lead to temporary power outages and damage to poorly constructed buildings.

The authority further noted that wet and slippery roads may disrupt routine traffic, particularly in hilly and northern regions where travel conditions can deteriorate rapidly during heavy rainfall.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement during severe weather conditions and to drive cautiously. The NDMA also urged people to stay away from trees, billboards, electric poles and weak structures during storms and high winds.

Tourists planning to visit northern areas have been instructed to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions before departure. The authority recommended the use of the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application to receive real-time updates and emergency information.

The NDMA said all provincial disaster management authorities and district administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and ensure preparedness measures are in place to respond to any emergency arising from the expected weather conditions.