Heavy rain, thunderstorms, flash floods and landslides expected in multiple regions
ISLAMABAD – National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide severe weather alert for May 12 to 17, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, hailstorms, flash floods and landslides in several parts of Pakistan.
The authority directed provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure emergency preparedness measures amid the forecast of worsening weather conditions.
NDMA warns of widespread severe weather
According to the NDMA, the current weather activity is consistent with seasonal forecasts earlier issued by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for the April-June period.
The National Emergency Operations Centre said rain and thunderstorms are expected during the next 12 to 24 hours in parts of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Rain and thunderstorms forecast for northern areas
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber.
The NDMA warned that mountainous areas could face localized flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels in streams and rivers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces flash flood risks
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
The NEOC cautioned that flash floods may occur in upper regions between May 12 and 16, especially in hilly and mountainous districts.
Sudden flooding is expected in the River Chitral and tributaries including Birir Gol, Acholga Gol and Mirkhani streams.
Water levels are also likely to rise in rivers and streams passing through Swat, Dir, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Battagram, Torghar, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Malakand.
Punjab and Islamabad likely to receive heavy storms
The weather system is also expected to affect Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Okara, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar.
Strong winds, thunderstorms and hailstorms are expected in these areas.
Sindh to witness rain and strong winds
In Sindh, heavy winds and thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall are likely in Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta, Jamshoro and Mirpurkhas.
Authorities warned residents to remain cautious during the severe weather spell.
Landslide threat in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan
The NDMA also warned of heightened risks of flash floods and landslides in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley and Bagh in Azad Kashmir.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, localized flooding may affect Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Darel, Tangir, Diamer and Skardu, while tributaries linked to the Gilgit, Shigar, Shyok and Astore rivers may experience increased water flow.
Public advised to avoid unnecessary travel
The disaster management authority advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions and stay away from rivers, streams, electricity poles, unstable structures and landslide-prone areas.
Tourists were specifically urged not to camp near rivers, nullahs or vulnerable mountainous regions.
District administrations have been directed to keep rescue teams and dewatering machinery ready for emergency response operations.
Residents living in low-lying areas were advised to remain prepared for possible evacuation if conditions worsen.
NDMA urges public to stay updated
The NDMA urged the public to follow official advisories and stay informed through the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for real-time weather updates and emergency alerts.
Authorities emphasized that timely precautions and preparedness could help minimize risks during the severe weather spell.