ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert for multiple parts of the country, warning of rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and possible hailstorms over the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), rain is expected in upper Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The authority said Islamabad and several Punjab cities, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin, are also likely to receive rain.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain has been forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
The NDMA also predicted rainfall in several areas of Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Pishin and Sibi.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rain is expected in Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Gilgit, Ghanche, Astore, Kharmang, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli, Poonch and Neelum Valley.
The NDMA warned that thunderstorms, strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak structures, trees, standing crops and electricity lines. It also cautioned that slippery roads and reduced visibility may disrupt traffic flow in several areas.
The authority advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, drive carefully and follow official weather advisories. Tourists and travelers were urged to check weather and road conditions before visiting northern areas.
The NDMA also directed all provincial and district authorities to remain on alert and ensure preparedness for any emergency situation.
