NDMA Warns of Pre-Monsoon Rains, Flash Floods and Landslide Risks Across Pakistan
Islamabad: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather advisory, warning that intermittent pre-monsoon rainfall is expected from June 28 to July 3, with an increased risk of glacier melting, flash floods, and landslides in the country’s northern regions.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, NDMA officials said the combination of intense heat and anticipated rainfall could accelerate glacier melting, leading to a sharp rise in water levels in rivers and streams across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The authority warned that rapidly changing weather conditions in mountainous areas could trigger glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides during the forecast period.
Residents, tourists, and travelers have been urged to exercise extreme caution in high-risk districts, including Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Kharmang, Astore, Diamer, Upper and Lower Chitral, and Swat, where sudden weather changes could create life-threatening conditions.
The NDMA advised the public to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams, glacial lakes, and riverbanks, and urged people to immediately report any unusual or hazardous situations to local authorities to help prevent loss of life and property.
Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) have been placed on high alert and instructed to ensure emergency preparedness, rapid response capabilities, and coordinated action in case of weather-related emergencies.
The NDMA emphasized that timely precautionary measures, strict adherence to official safety advisories, and coordinated preparedness at all levels are essential to minimize risks and reduce the impact of the expected pre-monsoon weather system.
