The NDMA has issued a warning regarding the possibility of landslides in hilly areas.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued a landslide alert for northern Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from today to Saturday warning that ongoing rainfall and glacier melt could trigger road blockages, travel disruptions and localised flooding in vulnerable mountainous regions.

The advice said that the risk of landslides in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swot, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur is likely to increase due to the ongoing rainfall and accelerated melting of glaciers.

The NDMA has highlighted Lowari Tunnel route, Chitral-Dir road, Swot Valley routes, Karakoram highway and Naran-Kaghan road as critical transit corridors which are especially susceptible to landslides in the forecast period.

The authorities further warned that the threat of landslides is anticipated to persist in Azad Jammu and Kashmir from today till Saturday, particularly in the connection routes of Shahi, Sharda, Athmuqam and Arang Kel.

Heavy rainfall in upper catchment areas may also give rise to isolated surges in streams and nullahs, resulting in dangerous travel conditions and temporary road closures in steep terrain, said NEOC.

NDMA has issued advance alerts to all concerned federal, provincial and local authorities to keep prepared for any emergency situation in view of expected weather related dangers.

The organisation said its National Emergencies Operation Centre is closely monitoring weather patterns, flood hazards, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and landslide dangers around the country.

Tourists and commuters who are going to the north and mountainous areas have been asked to examine the weather forecasts and road conditions before departure and rigorously obey the instructions provided by local administrations.

NDMA also advised the residents to remain updated through the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” smartphone app for real-time warnings, weather advisories and emergency updates.