The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab issued a warning on Thursday regarding anticipated moderate to heavy rain, strong winds, and potential hailstorms across various areas of the province.
According to the PDMA, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted moderate to heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and wind, including snowfall over hilly regions, in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, and Kasur from February 17 to 21. Additionally, Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan are expected to experience light to moderate rain and thunderstorms between February 18 and 19.
The PDMA has instructed the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to ensure preparedness and take necessary measures. Rescue officials and authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and equipped with sufficient emergency response personnel and equipment during the forecasted period.
Travellers have been cautioned about potential flooding and landslides, with the PDMA seeking guidance and assistance from local administration, police, and rescue services in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has predicted moderate to heavy rains in Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad, and Balochistan as well. The NDMA has warned of potential road closures due to heavy rain and snowfall in various areas, including Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli from February 18 to 20. The possibility of landslides in Upper KP, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan during the forecasted period cannot be ruled out, according to the NDMA.
