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Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) have issued a serious weather warning across several regions of the country, including the federal capital Islamabad, parts of Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Citizens are advised to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, as heavy rain, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds are expected to impact daily life and infrastructure over the next 48 hours.
The weather alert includes a wide geographical area. In Punjab, districts such as Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sargodha, Lahore, Narowal, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, and Sahiwal are at high risk. In KP, areas like Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, and surrounding mountainous regions are also expected to receive intense rainfall. Islamabad, due to its location at the northern edge of Punjab and the foot of the Margalla Hills, is particularly vulnerable to flash flooding and urban drainage issues.
According to the NDMA, the incoming weather system is expected to bring:
Heavy rainfall (50–100 mm in some areas),
Strong winds up to 80 km/h,
Hailstorms in some upper Punjab and KP regions,
Lightning strikes and potential localised flooding.
The storms are part of a larger monsoon system that has gained intensity due to unusual atmospheric pressure patterns. Meteorologists warn that the volatile weather may continue intermittently for several days.
Authorities have issued a public safety advisory urging residents to stay indoors, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid standing under trees or near electric poles during storms. Travel on highways and mountainous roads is discouraged due to the risk of landslides, road blockages, and low visibility caused by downpours.
In urban areas like Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad, the risk of urban flooding remains high. Drainage systems in many of these cities are under severe pressure during monsoon rains and are often unable to cope with sudden downpours.
NDMA has advised the local administration to remain on high alert and to keep emergency response teams ready to handle any untoward incidents. Hospitals and rescue services have also been directed to ensure adequate staffing and supplies.
The agriculture sector, particularly in Punjab, is expected to take a hit. Crops such as maize, vegetables, cotton, and sugarcane are at risk due to waterlogging and hail damage. Farmers have been advised to:
Temporarily cover sensitive crops.
Avoid irrigation for a few days to prevent over-saturation.
Monitor weather updates closely through official channels.
There’s also concern about damage to infrastructure, including power lines, solar panels, and roadways. In past storms, falling trees and poles have caused extended power outages, particularly in rural areas.
This warning follows a series of extreme weather incidents that have occurred across Pakistan in recent months. Just a few weeks ago, severe thunderstorms in southern Punjab resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, while dozens more were injured due to collapsing walls, falling trees, and electrocution. These events underline the increasing volatility of the country’s climate, possibly linked to global climate change trends.
Meteorological experts believe that this year’s monsoon will be stronger than average, increasing the likelihood of both floods and heatwaves in different parts of the country.
The Ministry of Climate Change and the NDMA are working closely with provincial disaster authorities to implement precautionary measures. Control rooms have been activated, and coordination with district administrations is ongoing to ensure rapid response in case of emergencies.
Citizens are urged to:
Stay informed via official weather bulletins (PMD and NDMA).
Keep emergency kits (torches, water, food, batteries) ready.
Avoid using electronic devices during lightning.
Report emergencies to helpline 1122 or local rescue services.
As Pakistan braces for another round of intense weather, public awareness and preparedness become critical. The recent alerts should not be taken lightly, especially in areas that have historically suffered from poor drainage and lack of infrastructure resilience. With the country already grappling with economic challenges and the lingering effects of climate-related disasters, proactive measures at both the individual and governmental levels are essential to minimise potential loss of life and property.
Reference: اسلام آباد، کے پی اور پنجاب میں شدید بارشوں،آندھی اور طوفان کا الرٹ جاری
