NDMA warns of heavy rains, flash floods, landslides and glacial lake outburst floods across northern and mountainous regions from May 26 to 31
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather red alert for May 26 to 31, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides in several parts of Pakistan.
According to the authority, unstable weather conditions combined with rising temperatures and rapid glacier melting could trigger flooding and travel disruptions across northern and mountainous regions.
The alert covers Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh.
The NDMA said glacier-fed regions remain highly vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods, rising river flows and landslides due to increased temperatures and persistent rainfall.
Authorities warned that heavy rain and flooding could disrupt transport and lead to the closure of major roads and highways in mountainous areas.
Areas likely to receive heavy rainfall
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms is forecast from May 26 to 31 in Chitral, Dir, Mingora, Hangu, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur and Parachinar.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also expected to experience rain and hailstorms in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli and Bhimber.
In Punjab, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected between May 28 and 31 in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sahiwal, Okara, Faisalabad, Kasur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Multan.
Balochistan may receive rainfall between May 30 and 31 in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, Khuzdar and Turbat, with isolated hailstorms also possible.
Sindh is expected to experience strong winds and thunderstorms on May 30 and 31 in Thatta, Badin, Mithi, Hyderabad and Karachi.
Risk of landslides and road closures
The NDMA warned that mountainous areas in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir face heightened risks of landslides due to ongoing rainfall and rising temperatures.
Areas including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan and parts of Azad Kashmir were declared highly sensitive.
Key routes such as the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road and Jaglot-Skardu Road may face temporary closures because of landslides and flooding.
The authority also identified Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala and Passu among the most vulnerable locations.
Tourist destinations including Kalam, Ushu, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Pattan and Chitral Valley could also witness disruptions to travel and tourism activities.
Public advisory
The NDMA directed provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness in vulnerable regions and along sensitive highways.
The authority advised tourists and commuters to check weather and road conditions before travelling to northern areas and urged citizens to stay updated through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application.
