NDMA issues alert for nationwide rain, hailstorms

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high alert for nationwide rain, windstorms, and hailstorms, noting that current patterns strictly align with the seasonal outlook released earlier in January.

The NDMA has released a forecast for the April-June period as well. It said a powerful weather system is expected to grip the country on April 17 and 18. Thundershowers and hailstorms are likely across Punjab, western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, and the northern territories. Heavy rainfall is specifically anticipated in Sost, Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral, Kalam, Dir, Batagram, Balakot, Muzaffarabad, and Rawalakot.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, storms are expected to impact Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mardan, Manshera, Abbottabad, and Kohat, while similar conditions are forecast for Islamabad and several Punjab districts including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, and Chakwal. In Balochistan, windstorms and rain are likely in Zhob, Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, and surrounding areas.

The NDMA has warned that intense rainfall may trigger flash flooding in hilly torrents and urban flooding in low-lying areas, with persistent rain increasing the risk of landslides in mountainous regions. Strong winds, lightning, and hail pose a significant threat to standing crops, weak structures, and utility infrastructure.

Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and drive with extreme caution. Tourists planning to visit northern areas are urged to verify road conditions before departure. Meanwhile, the NDMA has directed all provincial and district disaster management authorities to remain on high alert to mitigate the impact of the predicted weather system.