ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued a nationwide weather advisory, warning that thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected to affect several parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours. The authority cautioned that the forecast weather system could trigger urban flooding, flash floods, landslides and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in vulnerable areas, particularly in mountainous regions where glacier-related flooding risks remain elevated. According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), the anticipated weather pattern is in line with the seasonal outlook issued several months ago. The NDMA stated that it has been providing advance warnings and risk assessments to federal, provincial and district authorities to support preparedness and ensure an effective response to any potential emergencies. The advisory predicts rain accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds and dust storms across much of the country. In Punjab, rainfall is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujar Khan, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan. Rainfall is also expected in Islamabad. Thunderstorms and rainfall are also forecast for several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, Hattian, Mirpur and Bhimber. The NDMA has separately warned of an increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. Officials said such incidents could result in sudden flooding, landslides and debris flows in susceptible mountainous areas. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Peshawar, Kohat, Parachinar, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan. Parts of Balochistan, including Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Khuzdar and Zhob, are also likely to receive rainfall and thunderstorms. Meanwhile, isolated areas of Sindh, including Jacobabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Karachi, may experience strong winds, dust storms and rain. The NDMA said district administrations and relevant agencies are continuously monitoring vulnerable locations and have been directed to remain on high alert. Rescue and emergency response teams have also been instructed to maintain readiness for any developing situation. Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of heavy rainfall and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling to northern regions, where flooding, landslides and debris flows could lead to road closures. The authority urged the public to remain informed through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application and to contact local authorities or emergency services immediately in the event of an emergency. The NDMA has directed all provincial and district administrations to remain vigilant and implement precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the expected weather system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Several parts of country: Thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall predicted
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