NDMA issues rain and hailstorm alert across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: National Disaster Management Authority has issued a weather alert predicting thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds, and hailstorms in various parts of the country during the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), the current weather situation is exactly in line with the seasonal forecast issued three to four months ago. NDMA stated that all recent weather developments are matching the previously issued alerts.

On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, NDMA also organized a National Monsoon Conference to review preparedness and precautionary measures before the monsoon season.

The weather advisory said that Islamabad and several districts of Punjab are expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds and thunder, while hailstorms are also likely at some locations. Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal, and Okara are among the areas expected to be affected.

Rain and thunderstorms are also likely in different areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Rawalakot.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, strong winds, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms are expected in Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat, Charsadda, and Dera Ismail Khan.

Several districts of Sindh including Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Jamshoro, and Mirpurkhas may also experience rain and hailstorms.

Similarly, rain and thunderstorms are expected in different parts of Balochistan including Quetta, Zhob, Chaman, Khuzdar, Kalat, Mastung, Ziarat, Gwadar, and Kech.

NDMA warned that rising temperatures in northern areas could accelerate glacier melting, increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides in mountainous regions.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from dangerous slopes and glacier lakes, and follow instructions issued by local authorities and weather departments. NDMA also urged people to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for timely updates and emergency alerts.