NDMA Issues Rain and Wind Alert for Pakistan Regions

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority has issued a fresh weather alert for several parts of the country, warning that rain, thunderstorms and strong winds may affect multiple regions during the next 12 hours. The advisory, issued on Friday evening, covers key districts in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to the NDMA update, scattered rain with thunder and gusty winds is expected in several districts rather than one isolated belt. The forecast points to a broad spell that could influence urban traffic, rural movement, weak structures and local infrastructure in areas already vulnerable to sudden weather changes.

In Punjab, the rain forecast includes Mianwali, Khushab, Chakwal, Talagang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Hafizabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sheikhupura and Kasur. The alert also extends to southern and central Punjab districts including Layyah, Multan, Kot Addu, Bahawalnagar, Hasilpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to see unstable weather, with rain and strong winds forecast for Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Kohat, Karak, Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan and Swabi. The advisory further names Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Swat, Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Buner, Mohmand, Khyber and Waziristan among the areas that could be affected.

The alert also covers several parts of Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Nawabshah, Dadu, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur and Ghotki. For Karachi and other major urban centres, rainfall during evening or night hours can quickly disrupt traffic flow, drainage systems and commuter movement.

In Azad Kashmir, the NDMA forecast mentions Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli and Mirpur. Gilgit-Baltistan areas including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar and Kharmang are also expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, raising the need for caution on mountain roads and remote routes.

The authority warned that rain and strong winds could reduce visibility, make roads slippery and slow down traffic. It also cautioned that weak buildings, electricity poles, trees and other vulnerable infrastructure may face damage if wind intensity increases in affected areas.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, follow weather updates and take precautionary steps while moving outdoors. Local administrations and relevant departments have also been directed to remain alert so that any emergency situation can be handled without delay.

The latest advisory comes during a period when changing weather patterns can rapidly affect daily life across Pakistan, especially in densely populated cities and remote northern districts. Authorities are expected to keep monitoring the system over the coming hours, while residents in the listed areas should stay informed and prioritise safety until the spell passes.