NDMA issues weather alert: Heavy rain, strong winds expected in Punjab and KP

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Wednesday issued a weather alert warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds across various parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the next 12 to 24 hours.

According to the NDMA, intermittent heavy downpours are expected in multiple regions of Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Narowal, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Lahore, Sialkot, and Sargodha.

The weather system is also likely to impact central and southern districts such as Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, and Pakpattan, bringing with it potential disruptions.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also bracing for intense weather, with forecasts predicting heavy rain and gusty winds in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Charsadda, Kohat, and Hangu.

NDMA has warned of the possibility of falling trees, power outages, and damage to weak infrastructure due to the severe weather conditions. Reduced visibility could also lead to traffic accidents, the alert noted.

Citizens are advised to stay indoors during heavy rain, avoid standing near trees, billboards, or unstable structures, and to park vehicles in secure locations. The authority has also urged the public to limit unnecessary travel and remain updated with the latest weather reports.

NDMA emphasised the importance of following instructions issued by local authorities to ensure safety during the forecasted weather spell.

Reporter: Rozina Ali