The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather advisory warning of thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rainfall across Pakistan over the next 12 to 24 hours. The alert warns that these conditions could trigger urban flooding, flash floods, landslides, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in vulnerable mountainous regions.
Where is the weather expected to hit?
According to the NDMA, the weather system is expected to impact a broad range of regions. In Punjab and Islamabad, rainfall is forecast for areas including Rawalpindi, Murree, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Multan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces potential storms in districts such as Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, and Waziristan. In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, authorities anticipate thunderstorms in locations like Skardu, Hunza, Muzaffarabad, and Neelum Valley. Additionally, parts of Balochistan and Sindh, including Karachi, may see strong winds, dust storms, and isolated rainfall.
Why is this weather event significant?
The current forecast aligns with the seasonal outlook issued three to four months ago, according to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC). While the pattern is consistent with long-term seasonal expectations, the NDMA notes that the risk of GLOFs remains elevated in mountainous areas. These events can lead to sudden, high-intensity flooding and debris flows. The authority reports it has been providing continuous risk assessments to federal, provincial, and district officials to facilitate timely preparedness.
What could happen next?
As the weather system progresses, local administrations and emergency response teams remain on high alert to mitigate potential damage. Travelers and tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary trips to northern regions, as flooding and landslides could cause road closures. Residents are encouraged to monitor the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application for updates. If the rainfall intensity remains high, authorities have indicated that rescue teams are prepared to respond to developing emergencies, though the scale of the impact will depend on the duration and concentration of the precipitation in these vulnerable zones.
