NDMA
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a comprehensive weather alert, warning of intense rainfall and dust storms across several regions of Pakistan over the next 12 hours.
This alert comes amid growing concerns about the possibility of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the country’s northern areas, particularly due to rising temperatures and anticipated rainfall in glacial zones.
According to the NDMA, communities living near rivers and glacial areas in Hunza, Shigar, and Chitral are particularly vulnerable. Residents have been urged to stay alert and take precautionary measures, as the combination of heat and rainfall may accelerate glacial melt, increasing the chances of dangerous outbursts.
These sudden floods can cause widespread damage to infrastructure and pose a serious risk to lives and livelihoods in the region.
The authority also highlighted that strong winds and heavy rains are expected in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the federal capital Islamabad, and multiple districts in Punjab. Areas likely to be affected in Punjab include Mianwali, Khushab, Faisalabad, Okara, Sahiwal, Multan, and Bahawalnagar.
Urban centers face their own set of challenges, with the NDMA warning of potential urban flooding in major cities. The intense rainfall could overwhelm drainage systems and disrupt transportation and essential services.
In addition, Balochistan is forecast to receive showers in several districts, including Zhob, Killa Saifullah, Barkhan, Ziarat, and Dera Bugti. These areas, already prone to landslides and infrastructure fragility, could experience further hazards such as blocked roads and localized flooding.
To prepare for these scenarios, the NDMA has directed all provincial and local disaster management authorities, civic agencies, and emergency responders to take preventive steps. This includes clearing stormwater drains, ensuring availability of rescue personnel and equipment, and activating emergency control rooms.
Simultaneously, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has extended its forecast of continued monsoon rains in Punjab until July 13.
The rains, while providing much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat, have already caused water accumulation and traffic slowdowns in major urban hubs like Lahore.
Key areas in the city — such as Abbott Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Shimla Pahari, Ferozepur Road, Kalma Chowk, Canal Road, Mall Road, Anarkali, Jail Road, Gulshan-e-Ravi, and Islam Pura — were drenched in downpours, leading to localized waterlogging and disruptions in daily activities.
With the monsoon season in full swing and climate-related risks intensifying, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of community awareness and timely preparedness to mitigate the potential impacts of extreme weather events.
