ISLAMABAD: A high alert has been issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for Punjab, KP, GB, AJK, warning of thunderstorms coupled with torrential downpour, gales, and severe hailstorms. The relevant authorities have been directed to be on high alert and to keep emergency plans active.
According to NDMA, over the course of the next 12 to 24 hours, rain and windstorms are expected in Islamabad and many parts of Punjab including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Gujrat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock, Mianwali, DG Khan, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hafizabad, among others.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, possible affected areas include Peshawar, Swat, Malakand, Mardan, Nowshera, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Chitral, Kohat, Bannu, and DI Khan.
Many regions in Gilgit Baltistan, including Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, and Shigar as well as Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Kotli, Bagh, and Bhimber in AJK, are also forecast to experience rain. These severe hailstorms have also put the weak structures at risk of severe damage and injuries from the destruction of the infrastructure.
The NDMA has warned that landslides and GLOF will be probable in the northern mountainous areas, including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Skardu, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and parts of AJK.
Travel routes such as the Karakoram Highway, Naran road, Jaglot-Skardu road, and other link roads to the north are susceptible to closure due to GLOF or landslides.
The normal course of movement through high altitude tourist destinations in Kalam, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Patan, and Chitral is expected to be interrupted. Travel in these locations requires strict safety precautions as advised by authorities.
Meanwhile, Punjab has suffered heavy destruction and damage late last night due to strong winds and thunderstorms, especially in Bahawalpur and the surrounding areas, where there has been a lot of destruction.
Wall and roof collapses have caused one death and injuries to over 13 people. Trees and solar panels have also been damaged at several places, while a fire in the storeroom and a kiln had been extinguished after hours of effort.