The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) on Tuesday issued a countrywide alert for rain and thunderstorms from March 31 to April 5, warning of possible flood-like conditions in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.  In its latest alert, the NEOC of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) advised citizens to remain cautious and follow official safety instructions to avoid losses. 

The NEOC has cautioned that flash flooding may occur in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Zhob and Lasbela districts of Balochistan, while landslides are also expected in mountainous regions during the upcoming spell of heavy rains.  Snowfall is expected over the next three to four days in the upper and mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Meanwhile, rain accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds and dust storms is likely in parts of Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with chances of hailstorms at isolated locations.  According to the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), intermittent rainfall is expected until April 4 in Islamabad and several cities of Punjab, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Mianwali and Mandi Bahauddin.

Rain is also likely in Khushab, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.  Rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is likely in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from March 31 to April 5. Thunderstorm-related rainfall is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur, according to the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC).

Rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is likely in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from March 31 to April 5. Thunderstorm-related rainfall is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur, according to the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC).  Rain accompanied by strong winds and gusty storms is expected in Swabi, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Karak, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan during the upcoming spell.

Showers are also likely in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Haveli and Neelum Valley, according to the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC).  Rain is expected in several cities of Balochistan over the next three to four days, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Washuk, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar and Lasbela. 

Thunderstorm-related rainfall is also likely in Sindh from April 2 to 3, including Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad and Larkana.  The alert warned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorms across the country may damage weak structures, trees and electricity lines. It further cautioned that rainfall could make roads slippery and disrupt traffic flow. 

The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has urged travellers to exercise caution as snowfall in mountainous areas may disrupt traffic flow. It further warned that continuous rainfall in hilly regions could heighten the risk of landslides.  Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, drive with caution and follow official weather advisories. The alert further cautioned that during strong winds and storms, people should stay away from trees, weak structures and installations. 

Tourists and travellers have been advised to check weather conditions and road status before heading to northern areas. The public has been encouraged to stay updated through the NDMA’s official mobile application “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert.” The authority has also directed all provincial and district administrations to remain vigilant and prepared to deal with the expected weather situation. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)