In view of rains and snow forecast by the Met Office for most parts of the country during the next two to three days, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday issued an advisory, urging people to exercise caution during inclement weather, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The Met Office said that westerly winds would enter the country tonight (Monday), and would intensify the next day on December 30. “Under the impact of the system, rain and snow are expected in the upper and central parts of the country on December 31,” the Met Office said, adding that hill stations, including Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Murree, Galyat, Hunza, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli would receive snowfall.
Due to snowfall, the weather department said, landslides and avalanches were feared in the mountainous areas of the country.
It also forecast reduction in fog in the plains of Punjab and Sindh due to rain.
The NDMA said that keeping in view the weather, tourists and passengers should avoid travelling unnecessarily and take precautionary measures.
The Authority directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and the ICT Administration to ensure preparedness, keep emergency teams on standby, and take proactive measures to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.
It further said it was keeping a close eye on the evolving weather conditions and coordinating with stakeholders for timely response and mitigation
The NDMA requested the masses to seek updates on weather from the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App.
Reporter: Rozeena Ali