NDMA issues landslide alert for mountainous areas of Pakistan

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advanced warning of possible landslides in the mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Balochistan due to expected rain and snowfall over the next two days.

According to the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) of NDMA, there is a severe risk of landslides during January 26 and 27 in several mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. High-risk areas include Dir, Swat, Kalam, Kaghan, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Abbottabad and Mansehra.

The alert also covers Murree, Galiyat, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Ghizer, Shigar, Bagh and Muzaffarabad, along with surrounding mountainous regions, where landslides are likely due to ongoing and forecast weather conditions.

In Balochistan, landslides are expected in multiple districts due to rain, strong winds and snowfall. Areas at risk include Quetta, Ziarat, Pishin, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Zhob, Harnai, Kalat and Mastung, while Awaran, Panjgur and Khuzdar may also experience landslide activity.

NDMA warned that traffic flow on key routes, including the Karakoram Highway, Babusar Road and the Kaghan–Naran link road, may be disrupted due to snowfall and landslides. Road users have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and to take precautionary measures if travel is unavoidable.

The public has been urged to follow instructions issued by local administrations, traffic police and law enforcement agencies while traveling. Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) have been directed to remain on high alert, ensure the availability of necessary machinery and resources, and deploy snow and debris removal equipment along with response teams in case of road closures.

The NEOC said it is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure timely dissemination of information and effective response to any emergency situation.