ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of intense heat across much of the country through June 12, while forecasting rain and strong winds in northern regions later this week.
The NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Center said temperatures will continue to rise in Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan.
Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and northern Punjab are also expected to experience severe heat between June 7 and June 10. Temperatures in central and southern Punjab could remain well above seasonal averages.
The authority forecast rain and gusty winds in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of northern Punjab on June 11 and 12.
Rain is also expected in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Lahore during the same period.
Most parts of Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Tharparkar, are likely to remain hot and dry.
In Balochistan, light rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in the northeastern districts of Zhob and Musakhel on June 11 and 12.
The NDMA warned that intense heat is accelerating glacier melt in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The agency said the rapid melting has increased the risk of landslides and flooding in mountainous regions.
Authorities identified Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan and parts of Azad Kashmir as areas vulnerable to landslides.
The NDMA also warned of possible traffic disruptions on the Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, Deosai Road and the Karakoram Highway due to falling rocks and debris.
The authority said glacial lake outburst floods could occur in several northern areas, including Darkot, Lasht, Reshun, Booni, Bad Swat, Shisper, Gilgin, Hinarche, Roshan and Kumrat.
It also warned of rising water levels in streams and rivers across Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan.
The NDMA has directed federal and provincial disaster management agencies to ensure emergency preparedness and take preventive measures.
It advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution during adverse weather and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
The authority also urged people in southern Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan to take precautions against extreme heat. It advised limiting outdoor activity, protecting outdoor workers and giving special attention to children, the elderly and people with health conditions.
The NDMA encouraged the public to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for weather updates, safety guidance and emergency information.
