The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday warned of rainfall, thunderstorms and snowfall in northern parts of the country from March 14 to 16, cautioning about potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and landslide risks in vulnerable mountainous areas.
In a statement, the NDMA said its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) had issued an alert following the latest meteorological assessment indicating precipitation in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Areas likely to be affected include Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer and Shigar in Gilgit-Baltistan, while Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber and Neelum Valley in AJK are also expected to receive rainfall and snowfall. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam and Battagram may experience similar weather conditions.
The NDMA cautioned that snowfall and rainfall in mountainous regions could lead to slippery roads, reduced visibility and an increased risk of landslides and avalanches, potentially causing temporary travel disruptions, road blockages and power outages in some areas.
It further warned that rainfall combined with rising temperatures may accelerate glacier melt and increase the risk of GLOFs, particularly in Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Gilgit, Astore and Skardu, which could trigger sudden surges in streams and rivers and lead to localized flooding in downstream valleys.
The authority also highlighted the possibility of landslides along mountainous terrain, especially along the Karakoram Highway and adjoining routes. Areas including Diamer, Darel, Tangir, Astore and Hunza were identified as vulnerable where landslides could temporarily disrupt transportation.
NDMA advised tourists and travelers to avoid unnecessary travel through mountainous and landslide-prone areas and urged the public to adopt precautionary measures while following instructions issued by local authorities.
Local administrations and relevant departments have been directed to remain vigilant, monitor vulnerable areas and ensure emergency response teams remain on standby.
The NEOC is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with provincial and district authorities to ensure timely preparedness and response, the NDMA added, advising the public to stay updated on weather developments and use the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application for alerts and safety guidance.