ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds and possible flood-like situations in several parts of Pakistan from June 16 to June 20.
According to the alert, a strong westerly weather system is expected to influence northern and upper regions of the country during the period, bringing widespread rain, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms. Authorities have urged citizens, tourists and local administrations to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
Heavy Rain Expected in Multiple Regions
The NDMA forecast indicates that several districts across Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan and Sindh are likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
Punjab
Rain and thunderstorms are expected in:
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Murree
- Attock
- Chakwal
- Talagang
- Mandi Bahauddin
- Sargodha
- Gujar Khan
- Gujrat
- Jhelum
- Sialkot
- Gujranwala
- Hafizabad
- Faisalabad
- Khushab
- Jhang
- Dera Ghazi Khan
- Kasur
- Okara
- Sahiwal
- Bahawalpur
- Rahim Yar Khan
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Widespread rainfall with thunderstorms is forecast for:
- Chitral
- Upper and Lower Dir
- Swat
- Battagram
- Mansehra
- Abbottabad
- Haripur
- Swabi
- Mardan
- Charsadda
- Peshawar
- Kohat
- Parachinar
- Karak
- Bannu
- Dera Ismail Khan
- North Waziristan
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir
The weather system is expected to affect:
- Skardu
- Diamer
- Astore
- Ghizer
- Hunza
- Ghanche
- Shigar
- Neelum Valley
- Muzaffarabad
- Rawalakot
- Bagh
- Kotli
- Poonch
- Hattian
- Mirpur
- Bhimber
Balochistan
Rain and thunderstorms are also likely in:
- Quetta
- Zhob
- Sherani
- Ziarat
- Qila Saifullah
- Qila Abdullah
- Kohlu
- Harnai
- Sibi
- Barkhan
- Khuzdar
Sindh
Scattered rain and thunderstorms are forecast in:
- Jacobabad
- Sukkur
- Larkana
- Khairpur
- Dadu
- Ghotki
- Shikarpur
- Shaheed Benazirabad
- Nawabshah
Flood and Glacial Lake Outburst Risks
The NDMA warned that between June 16 and June 19, heavy rainfall combined with rising temperatures could trigger flood-like situations in vulnerable areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities also expressed concern over accelerated glacier melting in northern mountainous regions, which may lead to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), a phenomenon that can cause sudden and destructive flooding.
Areas identified as particularly vulnerable include:
- Hassanabad
- Shishper
- Gulkin
- Gulmit
- Passu
- Nagar
- Ghizer
- Skardu
- Shigar
The NDMA noted that increased water flow in rivers, streams and mountain channels could pose significant risks to nearby communities and infrastructure.
Landslide Threat in Hilly Areas
The authority further cautioned that unstable weather conditions may trigger landslides and rockfalls in mountainous regions, potentially causing road blockages and disruptions to transportation networks.
Several link roads in northern areas may become inaccessible due to heavy rain and falling debris.
Authorities Directed to Remain on Alert
The NDMA has instructed all provincial disaster management authorities, district administrations and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert throughout the forecast period.
Emergency services have been advised to ensure readiness for any potential rescue and relief operations, particularly in flood-prone and mountainous areas.
Travel Advisory for Tourists
Tourists planning to visit northern regions during the coming days have been urged to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling.
The NDMA advised travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of heavy rainfall and to follow instructions issued by local authorities to ensure safety.
Officials emphasized that timely precautions and preparedness can significantly reduce risks associated with extreme weather events.
