NDMA issues alert for ‘potential’ rain, snowfall in KP, GB, Kashmir

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued an alert for potential rain and snowfall in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

“Rain is expected in most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir during the next 12 hours, with snowfall expected in hilly areas,” the NEOC said in a press release.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Malakand, Kurram, Waziristan, Mansehra, Mohmand, Buner, Haripur, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Kohat, it said.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the NEOC said, rain is expected in the areas of Gilgit, Astore, Ghizer, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar, with a possibility of snowfall in the mountainous regions.

In Azad Kashmir, rain is expected in Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and Neelum, with snowfall predicted in the upper reaches.

“Due to rain and snowfall, there is a fear of slippery roads and disruption in the flow of traffic,” it said, advising the masses to avoid unnecessary travel during the snowfall and rain and adopt precautionary measures.

In view of potential risks, relevant departments have been directed to remain alert for rescue and road restoration.

National Emergencies Operation Centre said it is ensuring the provision of advance information regarding the situation and potential risks to the public and relevant institutions.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army has carried out relief operations in Orakzai and Kurram districts amidst heavy rains and snowfall, Radio Pakistan reported on Monday.

During heavy snowfall in Orakzai district, Pakistan Army cleared blocked roads on an emergency basis.

In Kurram district, which was also severely affected by the snowfall, Pakistan Army swiftly launched a rescue operation and restored an eight kilometer road using heavy machinery.

Due to heavy snowfall, Manato Sadda road had been completely blocked, stranding numerous vehicles. Pakistan Army conducted a prompt operation, safely evacuating passengers and vehicles to secure locations.