The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a weather alert warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain, hailstorms, flash flooding and landslides in parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir over the next 12 to 24 hours, urging authorities and the public to take precautionary measures.
According to the NDMA, Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujar Khan and Sialkot, are likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorm activity is expected in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
The weather system is also expected to affect Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch and Bhimber.
The authority warned that hailstorms may accompany rainfall in several areas, posing a threat to weak structures, power installations and standing crops.
The NDMA further cautioned that rising temperatures and ongoing weather activity could trigger glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides and a surge in water flows in streams and nullahs across northern regions.
Mountainous areas including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan and parts of Azad Kashmir face a heightened risk of landslides.
Key road links, including those connecting Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala and Passu, have been declared vulnerable.
The authority warned that the Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, Deosai Road and sections of the Karakoram Highway could face temporary closures due to landslides and falling debris.
The Karakoram Highway, Naran Road and Jaglot-Skardu Road are among the major routes that may be affected.
Tourist destinations and mountainous areas such as Kalam, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Patan and Chitral Valley may also experience travel disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.
The NDMA has directed all relevant federal, provincial and district authorities to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness for any emergency situation.
Travellers and tourists have been advised to check weather forecasts and road conditions before undertaking journeys to northern areas.
The authority urged citizens to stay updated through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application and follow instructions issued by local administrations and emergency services.