The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert for rain with thunder and snowfall in the northern regions of Pakistan.
According to details surfaced on Friday, the NDMA has warned that possible glacial lake outburst floods and landslides could create hazardous conditions in mountainous areas. Rain and snowfall are expected from tomorrow until March 16 in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rain and snowfall are likely in Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer and Shigar. Similar weather conditions are expected in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber and the Neelum Valley.
Rain accompanied by thunder is forecast for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam and Battagram. Snowfall in mountainous areas could make roads slippery and increase the risk of landslides. The possibility of avalanches and further landslides may also rise due to continuing rain and snowfall.
Authorities warned of possible temporary power outages and travel difficulties in certain areas. An increase in temperature combined with rainfall could raise the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.
There is also a threat of sudden flooding due to glacier melt in Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Gilgit, Astore and Skardu. Rain and snowfall could trigger landslides on mountain roads, including the Karakoram Highway.
Areas including Diamer, Darel, Tangir, Astore and Hunza remain vulnerable to landslides. Such incidents may lead to road closures and disruption to travel activities.
The NDMA has directed local administrations and relevant departments to ensure preparedness and maintain close monitoring.
