NDMA urges caution as Punjab, KP, Balochistan, GB, AJK brace for wet spell

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Mar, 2026) The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a weather alert, urging caution as rain is forecast across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, with snowfall expected in northern regions.

According to the National Emergencies Operation Center, (NEOC), rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in various areas during the next 12 to 24 hours. An alert has also been issued for possible snowfall and landslides in northern regions.

Rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Azad Kashmir during the next 12 to 24 hours. Showers are likely in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.

Rain is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan during the next 12 to 24 hours, with snowfall likely in upper areas. Showers and snowfall are forecast in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Ghizer, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar and Nagar.

Rain is expected in several cities of Punjab, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Chakwal, Jhelum, Attock, Murree, Bhakkar, Khushab and Mianwali during the next 12 to 24 hours.

Rain with thunderstorms is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Hangu, Bannu, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Battagram, Kohistan, Swat, Malakand, Shangla and Chitral, with snowfall likely in mountainous areas.

Intermittent rain is likely in Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Dadu, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Mithi, Umerkot, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan and Karachi.

Rain with thunderstorms and dust storms is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Barkhan, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Turbat and Gwadar.

Due to expected rains in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, there is a risk of landslides, while glacial lake outburst floods may also pose a threat in Gilgit-Baltistan.

A landslide alert has been issued for Ziarat, Harnai, Sibi, Musa Khel, Sherani and Loralai in Balochistan. Traffic may be affected on national highways N-50, N-65 and N-70 due to possible landslides. Authorities have also cautioned about the risk of water accumulation in low-lying areas, which could disrupt traffic flow.

The NDMA has directed all provincial and district authorities to remain alert to handle the possible weather conditions.

The public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures in areas prone to landslides.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has cautioned relevant authorities to take precautionary measures. The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center is ensuring timely dissemination of information to the public and concerned agencies on all situations and potential risks. Citizens have been advised to rely on the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for updates on hazards and guidance on safety measures.