ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), has issued a nationwide weather outlook and advisory for May 26 to 31, warning of rising temperatures, possible heatwave conditions, glacier melting, flash floods and landslides in multiple regions.
According to the assessment, temperatures are expected to increase across most parts of the country and may range between 40°C and 48°C in affected areas.
On the instructions of the Prime Minister, the NDMA has initiated a national-level review of preparedness measures to address heat-related risks and other possible emergencies.
Provincial disaster management authorities have already started anticipatory actions, including public awareness campaigns, deployment of emergency response teams, establishment of cooling centers and strengthening medical response systems.
Northern Areas Face Glacier Melt and Landslide Risks
According to NEOC, northern regions under the influence of westerly winds, including the Potohar region, may receive light rainfall.
However, rapid glacier melting in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and other mountainous areas has significantly increased the possibility of floods and landslides.
Areas expected to remain vulnerable include Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam and Upper Kohistan.
Authorities warned that roads connecting Shamshal, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shaskat Bala and Pasu may face disruptions due to landslides.
Meanwhile, Shir Valley Road, Skardu Road, Deosai Road and the Karakoram Highway could also witness temporary closures.
Flood-like situations may develop in Darkot, Lasht, Reshan, Boni, Bad Swat, Shaspar, Gilgan, Hanarchi, Roshan and Kumrat due to rapid glacier and glacial lake melting.
Additional flooding concerns remain for Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan.
Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab Likely to Face Severe Heat
The NDMA warned that Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab are expected to remain under intense heatwave conditions.
In Sindh, temperatures are expected to remain significantly high in Jacobabad, Qambar Shahdadkot, Dadu, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Sanghar, Umerkot, Sukkur, Ghotki and Mirpurkhas.
Similarly, severe heat conditions are forecast in Chagai, Washuk, Kharan, Turbat, Dera Murad Jamali, Usta Muhammad, Sibi, Lehri, Naseerabad and Jafarabad in Balochistan.
Punjab areas including Multan, Lodhran, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Muzaffargarh, Bhakkar, Layyah, Lahore, Sahiwal and Kasur may also experience additional heatwave intensity.
NDMA Issues Public Safety Advisory
The NDMA has directed all concerned departments to ensure emergency preparedness and preventive measures in sensitive areas.
The authority has also issued guidance regarding clothing and uniforms, recommending light-colored and loose-fitting clothes to reduce heat absorption and improve comfort during high temperatures.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, remain cautious during extreme weather conditions and strictly follow instructions issued by local administrations.
Residents and tourists visiting mountainous regions have been urged to remain updated about weather conditions and exercise caution due to possible landslides and road blockages.
The NDMA also advised the public to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for verified updates, alerts and safety information
