ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik to review the ongoing weather situation in the country.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office media wing, the Prime Minister instructed the NDMA to send timely weather alerts to citizens through mobile phone messages. He emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed about changing weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season.
The NDMA Chairman briefed the Prime Minister on the recent rain-related developments and emergency response efforts across the country.
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PM Shehbaz further directed the NDMA to stay in close coordination with provincial governments, especially in northern and vulnerable regions, and to ensure continued support for local administrations. He also stressed the need to strengthen coordination with rescue agencies, district administrations, and provincial authorities for effective response.
Fresh weather alert
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a fresh weather alert, warning that several parts of the country may face heavy rainfall, flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and other related hazards in the next 24 to 48 hours.
According to the NDMA, northern regions are particularly at risk due to continued rain and above-normal temperatures, which have increased the chances of GLOFs and sudden flooding.
Northern Areas on High Alert
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, key areas under threat include Upper Dir, Chitral, Swat, Reshun, Booni, Brep, Sardar Gol, Arkari, Dir Gol, Thalu 1 and 2, and Kumrat Valley. These locations are highly vulnerable to flash floods and road blockages caused by fast glacier melting and heavy rainfall.
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Other districts likely to be affected by thunderstorms include Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Karak, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Bannu, Buner, Hazara, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, and Waziristan. These areas may face damage to weak infrastructure, reduced visibility, and localised power outages.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, valleys such as Badswat, Hinarchi, Tursat Hundur, Darkut, and Ishkoman remain on high alert. Rain is also expected in Hunza, Skardu, Astore, Chilas, and surrounding regions, with risks of rising river levels and damage to transport and power infrastructure.
Rain Forecast Across Other Provinces
In Azad Jammu & Kashmir, rain is forecast in Neelum Valley, Bagh, Kotli, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Haveli, which may lead to urban flooding, blocked roads, and overwhelmed drainage systems.
In Punjab, widespread thunderstorms are expected in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Narowal, Chiniot, Toba Tek Singh, Faisalabad, Lahore, Okara, and Kasur, as well as in Islamabad. Possible impacts include waterlogging, traffic delays, and damage to fragile infrastructure.
In Balochistan, isolated rain and windstorms may hit Quetta, Zhob, Loralai, Ziarat, Kalat, Musakhel, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Sibi, and Dera Bugti. Strong winds could bring down weak structures and cause brief power disruptions.
Sindh is also expected to see widespread rainfall, particularly in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Nawabshah, Khairpur, Kashmore, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, and Tando Muhammad Khan. The region may experience urban flooding, traffic congestion, and damage to electric poles and fragile buildings.
NDMA Issues Public Advisory
NDMA has urged all provincial and district authorities to stay on high alert, activate emergency plans, and ensure weather updates are communicated in local languages.
Citizens, especially in high-risk areas, are advised to:
Follow official updates and advisories
Avoid unnecessary travel near rivers, streams, and flood-prone roads
Keep emergency kits ready
Download the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for real-time information
The situation remains under close watch, and authorities are expected to take all necessary steps to minimise damage and ensure public safety.
