The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert in view of a new and powerful spell of stormy rains across the country, directing all relevant departments to remain on high alert to effectively respond to any emergency situation while advising the public to take precautionary measures.
According to the weather forecast, the new western disturbance is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and, unusually for the month of April, snowfall in the upper regions of the country, raising concerns about potential disruptions to daily life.
The NDMA stated that under the influence of this system, cities including Islamabad, Murree, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Sialkot, along with other parts of Punjab, are likely to experience heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms, while strong winds may also pose a risk to infrastructure.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall has been forecast for the upper mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which may lead to a significant drop in temperatures and an increase in cold weather conditions.
The authority has warned that continuous rain and snowfall could increase the risk of landslides in mountainous areas, and travelers and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to prevent any potential accidents.
Relevant institutions have been instructed to remain fully prepared and on high alert to handle any emergency situation, while the public has also been urged to follow the instructions issued by local authorities and exercise caution.
