Rain and Hailstorm Alert Issued for Punjab, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert forecasting rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms across several parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to the NDMA, rainfall is expected in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujar Khan, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Jhang, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is forecast in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Swabi, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur. Thunderstorms accompanied by rain are also expected in Charsadda, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan.

The weather system is likely to affect several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Diamer, Ghanche, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, Poonch, and Bhimber, where thunderstorms and rainfall are anticipated.

The NDMA warned that strong winds and hailstorms could damage weak structures and installations. Authorities have also cautioned about the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and increased water flow in rivers and streams across northern regions.

Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides could disrupt transportation and lead to the closure of roads in mountainous areas. Areas facing a high risk of landslides include Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and parts of Azad Kashmir.

Several key routes, including the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road, Jaglot-Skardu Road, Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, and Deosai Road, may experience temporary closures due to landslides. Roads connecting Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala, and Passu have also been identified as vulnerable.

Tourist destinations and travel routes in Kalam, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Patan, and Chitral Valley may face disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.

The NDMA has directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert in sensitive mountainous regions and along major highways. Authorities have also advised tourists and travelers to check weather forecasts and road conditions before planning trips to northern areas.