NDMA Issues Weather Alert for Multiple Regions Across Pakistan
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a significant weather alert on Monday, warning of impending rain and snowfall in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir over the next 12 hours. In an official statement, the NDMA highlighted the potential risks associated with these adverse weather conditions, urging citizens to exercise caution and preparedness.
Detailed Forecast for Affected Areas
According to the NDMA, several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to experience rainfall, including:
- Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Malakand
- Khyber, Waziristan, Mansehra, Mohmand, Buner
- Haripur, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera
- Swabi, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat
Higher altitude areas in these regions are likely to receive snowfall, adding to the severity of the weather event. In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain and snow are anticipated in districts such as Gilgit, Astore, Ghizer, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar. Similarly, Azad Jammu and Kashmir is forecasted to see rainfall in Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and Neelum, with snowfall expected in elevated regions.
Safety Advisories and Emergency Preparedness
The NDMA warned that the prevailing weather conditions could lead to slippery roads and significant traffic disruptions. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures to ensure their safety. In response, rescue services and road clearance authorities have been placed on high alert to manage any emergency situations that may arise.
The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre has committed to providing timely information and guidance to the public and relevant departments. To stay informed, citizens are urged to utilize the NDMA Disaster Alert App for real-time updates, safety advisories, and warnings related to adverse weather conditions. This proactive approach aims to mitigate risks and enhance community resilience during such natural events.
Related Incident and Context
In a related development, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported that one person was killed and several homes were damaged due to landslides triggered by snowfall in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. This underscores the critical importance of heeding weather alerts and taking necessary precautions to prevent further casualties and property damage.
