NDMA Issues Weather Alert as Rain, Thunderstorms and Hail Forecast Across Pakistan

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority has issued a weather alert forecasting widespread rain, thunderstorms, and hail across several regions of Pakistan, warning of possible disruptions and hazards from April 17 to 18.
According to the NDMA advisory, northern regions along with Punjab, western parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern areas of Balochistan are likely to experience strong winds, thunderstorms, rain, and hailstorms during the forecast period.
Heavy rainfall is expected in northern areas including Suost, Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral, Kalam, Dir, Battagram, Balakot, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, and surrounding regions.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mardan, Upper and Lower Dir, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kohat, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat.
Islamabad and various districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Mianwali, are also likely to experience strong winds and thunderstorms with rain.
In Balochistan, similar weather conditions are expected in Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Loralai, Barkhan, Kohlu, Pishin, Ziarat, Quetta, and Kalat, where gusty winds and rainfall are forecast.
The NDMA warned that heavy rainfall may trigger flash flooding in hilly areas and urban flooding in low-lying regions. Continuous rain in mountainous regions may also increase the risk of landslides.
The authority further cautioned that strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms could damage weak structures, trees, standing crops, vehicles, and power infrastructure across affected areas.