NDMA predicts rain, flood threat in first week of Muharram

Pakistan National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday cautioned about multiple weather related hazards across Pakistan during the first week of Muharram, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, rains, hailstorms and possible flooding in northern and upper regions due to the passage of a western weather system over the country, while authorities have been directed to stay on high alert to deal with any potential emergencies.

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the NDMA stated in an alert that a seasonal outlook given three to four months ago matches the current weather pattern, underlining the importance of early forecasts in improving preparedness and response efforts.

The Met Office said Islamabad and most portions of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan and the northern regions of Sindh are likely to experience rain with thunderstorms throughout the projected period. Isolated hailstorms and strong winds are also possible in some regions.

The NDMA cautioned that there could be flood-like situation in portions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir till 19 of this month due to rains and rising temperatures.

The authority also emphasised the possibility of glaciers melting fast and of glacial lakes bursting, which might dramatically increase water flows in mountain streams and rivers.

Areas including Hassanabad, Shisper, Gulkin, Gulmit, Passu, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu and Shigar had been identified as being at heightened risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), the alert said.

The authorities also warned that landslides, flash floods and overflowing streams might damage road networks and impede major communication routes in hilly locations. Federal, provincial and district authorities concerned have been advised to be extra vigilant, in particular on critical roadways and high risk locations.

The NDMA advised tourists and travellers going to the northern areas to check weather forecasts and road conditions before leaving and asked the public to stay informed about the latest updates through the official mobile application ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’.

The body said all provincial and district administrations have been urged to ensure preparedness and maintain readiness to respond rapidly to any weather-related incident.