Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) operating under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a countrywide weather warning for the period between May 26 and 31, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, glacial lake outburst floods, flash flooding and landslides in northern and mountainous parts of Pakistan as soaring temperatures continue to accelerate glacier melt.
According to the NDMA, unstable weather patterns are expected to affect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh, raising fears of urban flooding, blocked roads and interruptions to transport and travel activities across several regions.
The authority warned that the combination of intense heat and rainfall could sharply increase water flow in streams and seasonal nullahs, especially in glacier-fed areas. Officials noted that northern regions remain at serious risk from glacial lake outburst floods, landslides and unusually high river and stream levels.
Authorities also cautioned that heavy downpours and possible flooding may result in the temporary closure of several major roads and highways in hilly and mountainous terrain.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), rain accompanied by thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms is expected from May 26 to 31 in Chitral, Dir, Mingora, Hangu, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur and Parachinar.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also likely to experience rain and hailstorms during the same period in areas including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli and Bhimber.
Punjab is forecast to receive rainfall and thunderstorms from May 28 to 31 in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sahiwal, Okara, Faisalabad, Kasur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Multan.
In Balochistan, showers are expected between May 30 and 31 in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, Khuzdar and Turbat, while isolated hailstorms may also occur in some areas.
Sindh is likely to witness gusty winds and thunderstorms on May 30 and 31 in Thatta, Badin, Mithi, Hyderabad and Karachi.
The NDMA further warned that persistent rainfall combined with rising temperatures has heightened the danger of landslides in mountainous districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan and several parts of Azad Kashmir have been classified as highly vulnerable areas.
Officials warned that important routes such as the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road and Jaglot-Skardu Road could face closures because of landslides and debris.
Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala and Passu were also identified among the most sensitive locations, while Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road and Deosai Road may also experience disruptions.
Tourist destinations and scenic mountainous regions including Kalam, Ushu, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Pattan and Chitral Valley may see interruptions in tourism and travel activities due to worsening weather conditions.
The NDMA stated that fast-melting glaciers along with continued rainfall could create flood-like situations in Darkot, Lasht, Ishkoman, Pundoro, Reshun, Booni, Bad Swat, Shisper, Gulkin, Hanarchi, Roshan and Kumrat.
The authority added that similar flood threats remain in Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Sudhnoti, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan.
All provincial and district administrations, along with concerned departments, have been directed to stay on high alert and ensure emergency preparedness in vulnerable regions and along sensitive road networks.
The NDMA also urged tourists and commuters to review weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling to northern areas and advised citizens to stay informed through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application.