Islamabad, February 23, 2024 – The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a crucial advisory to all provincial authorities in anticipation of thunderstorms forecasted across Pakistan.
On Friday, the NDMA released the advisory, prompting national and provincial disaster management authorities along with relevant departments to implement precautionary measures to effectively handle any emergency situations that may arise.
According to the NDMA Technical Team and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a westerly wave is expected to enter the region from February 25th to February 27th, 2024. The forecast indicates potential rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hilly areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Murree, Galliyat, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The advisory specifically highlights possible disruptions in roadways in various regions, including Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli during the forecasted period. Travelers are urged to exercise caution and stay updated on weather conditions before planning any journeys. Additionally, there is a warning about potential disruptions to electricity and other utility services.
The advisory emphasizes the risk of landslides, mudslides, isolated rain spells, and snowfall, leading to potential road blockages in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan. The combination of snowfall and rain is expected to result in a significant drop in temperatures.
In Balochistan and Southern Punjab, heavy rainfall is anticipated, which may result in flash flooding in local nullahs. The advisory alerts about the potential for landslides and mudslides, leading to road blockages due to isolated rain spells. Farmers are also advised to exercise extra caution and plan agricultural activities accordingly during this weather spell.
All provincial disaster management authorities (PDMAs), Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, National Highway Authority (NHA), National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP), Frontier Works Organization (FWO), Rescue 1122, Dam Authorities, Line Departments, Ministries, and Federal Agencies are urged to undertake necessary measures in line with their respective mandates. The NDMA emphasizes the importance of proactive steps to mitigate the potential impact of the anticipated weather conditions.
