They say several parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa will see rain with thunderstorms
The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday warned of thunderstorms and rain across the country during the next 12 to 24 hours.
According to an advisory issued by the authority, a system of westerly winds entering from the southwestern belt of Balochistan is likely to affect most regions, bringing rain accompanied by strong winds and gusts of thunderstorms.
The NDMA warned that continuous rains may lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock and Chakwal. Residents of vulnerable localities have been advised to remain alert and take precautionary measures to minimize potential damage.
Rain with thunderstorm and strong winds are expected in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin during the next 12 to 24 hours. Rain is also likely in Khushab, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.
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The advisory stated that several parts of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are expected to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms, dust storms and strong winds, with chances of hailstorm at isolated places.
In view of the expected rains, the NDMA has issued an alert for possible floods in several districts of KP and Balochistan. Flash floods are forecast in Balochistan, particularly in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Zhob and Lasbela.
In KP, flood-like conditions are expected in Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Parachinar, Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi. Authorities have advised precautionary measures in vulnerable areas.
Snowfall is also expected in the high and mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and KP during the next 12 to 24 hours.
Rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is likely in several districts of KP including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur. Dust storm, strong winds and rain are also expected in Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
The NDMA also forecast rainfall in parts of Britain and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli and Neelum Valley.
In Balochistan, rain is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar and Lasbela during the same period.
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Rain with thunderstorms is also expected in cities of Sindh including Kashmore, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Shahdadkot, Khairpur and Larkana.
The NDMA warned that strong winds, lightning and hail could damage weak structures, trees and power lines. Rainfall could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic flow, while snowfall in mountainous areas is likely to affect travel.
Continued rain in mountainous regions may increase the risk of landslides. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, drive carefully and follow official weather warnings. During high winds and storms, the public has been urged to stay away from trees, structures and fragile facilities.
The authority also advised tourists and travelers heading to northern areas to be cautious and check the weather and road conditions in advance, while encouraging citizens to get timely updates through its official mobile application, ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’.
Meanwhile, the NDMA has directed all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and take necessary measures to deal with the expected weather situation.
