NDMA issues emergency alert amid extreme weather conditions

LAHORE: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)and National Emergency Operation Center have issued an alert regarding the expected weather conditions and possible hazards in different areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the next 12 to 24 hours.

Thunderstorms are expected in various districts of Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujar Khan, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Swabi, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan. Expected

Rain with thundershowers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir areas of Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghazar, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, and Bhimber

Rain and hail are also expected in various areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir during the next 12 to 24 hours

Damage to weak structures and installations due to hail and strong winds is expected. Eruption of glacial lakes, landslides, and an increase in water flow in rivers and canals are expected in the northern areas

There is also a risk of closure of communication roads due to rain, flood situations, and landslides. Severe risk of landslides in the mountainous areas of Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and Azad Kashmir.

The connecting roads between Shamshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmeet, Shaskat Bala, and Pasu have been declared sensitive.

There is a possibility of closure of roads due to landslides on Sugar Valley Road, Skardu Road, Deosai Road, and Karakoram Highway.

The potentially affected highways include the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road, Jaglot, and Skardu Road. Travel activities in the hilly areas of Kalam, Kandol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Pattan, and Chitral Valley are likely to be affected.

The NDMA has issued instructions to the relevant agencies to remain alert in sensitive highways and hilly areas. Tourists and travelers must check the weather and road conditions before traveling to the northern areas.

The public can get timely information from the official NDMA app ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’.

The NDMA has directed all provincial and district agencies to remain alert to deal with possible weather conditions.