NDMA issues landslide alert for mountainous areas, widespread rain expected in parts of Punjab from today

Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Disaster Management Authority (National Disaster Management Authority), through its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), has issued a landslide alert for northern Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) for the period of June 2 to June 6.

The advisory warns that continuous rainfall along with rapid glacier melting could result in landslides, road closures, disruptions in travel, and localized flooding in sensitive mountainous regions.

The alert states that between June 2 and June 5, persistent rains and accelerated melting of glaciers are expected to significantly raise the likelihood of landslides in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur.

It further identifies major travel routes at risk such as the Lowari Tunnel corridor, Chitral-Dir Road, roads across Swat Valley, the Karakoram Highway, and the Naran-Kaghan Road, all of which may face disruptions due to landslide activity during the forecast window.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the landslide risk is expected to continue from June 2 to June 6, particularly impacting key access routes in Shahi, Sharda, Athmuqam, and Arang Kel.

The NEOC also cautioned that heavy rainfall in upper catchment areas may lead to sudden increases in water flow in streams and seasonal nullahs, creating hazardous conditions and causing temporary road blockages in hilly terrain.

In response, NDMA has issued advance instructions to federal, provincial, and local authorities to remain on high alert and fully prepared for any emergency situation.

The authority added that its monitoring system at the National Emergencies Operation Center is continuously tracking weather developments, flood risks, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) threats, and landslide hazards across the country.

Meanwhile, travelers and tourists heading to northern regions have been advised to carefully review weather updates and road conditions before departure and strictly follow guidance from local authorities.

Citizens are also encouraged to use the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application to receive real-time alerts, weather forecasts, and emergency notifications.

Widespread rain expected in several parts of Punjab from today

Meanwhile, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has forecast widespread rainfall across the province starting today. 

A spokesperson for the authority said that all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners throughout Punjab have been instructed to stay on high alert, ensure full preparedness, and take necessary measures to respond quickly and effectively in case of any weather-related emergency situation.