NDMA on Sunday advised citizens to stay alert as intermittent pre-monsoon rains are expected across Pakistan from June 28 to July 3, warning of heightened risks of glacier melting, flash floods, and landslides in northern areas, urging people to avoid risky travel, remain informed, and take necessary safety precautions.
According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) officials talking to media channels, a dangerous combination of intense heat and expected pre-monsoon rainfall is likely to accelerate glacier melting, triggering a sharp rise in water levels in rivers and streams across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The authority warned that vulnerable mountainous regions face heightened risks of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides during the forecast period due to rapidly changing and unstable weather conditions. Residents, tourists and travellers have been strongly advised to exercise extreme caution in high-risk districts including Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Kharmang, Astore, Diamer, Upper and Lower Chitral and Swat, where sudden weather shifts could create life-threatening situations.
NDMA further urged the public to strictly avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams, glacial lakes and riverbanks, stressing the importance of immediate reporting of any unusual or hazardous conditions to local authorities to prevent loss of life and property.
Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) have been placed on high alert with strict instructions to ensure full emergency preparedness, rapid response capability and coordinated action in case of any disaster triggered by the expected weather system.
Overall, NDMA has stressed that timely precautions, strict adherence to safety advisories, and coordinated preparedness at all levels are essential to minimize risks, protect lives and reduce potential damage from the expected weather-related hazards.