ISLAMABAD: The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has released an advance review report on the expected weather conditions and potential hazards in the country from June 7 to 12.
According to the report, extreme heat and heatwave-like conditions are likely to persist in most areas of Sindh, southern Punjab and Balochistan, while a significant increase in temperatures is also expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and northern Punjab from June 7 to 10.
The NEOC says that rain and strong winds have been predicted in various areas of Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab on June 11 and 12.
Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujarat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Lahore are likely to experience strong winds with rain, while central and southern districts of Punjab may remain in the grip of intense heat.
Hot and dry weather is expected in most areas of Sindh, including the cities of Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Tharparkar. Light rain with thundershowers has been predicted in the northeastern districts of Zhob and Musa Khel of Balochistan on June 11 and 12.
Rain is also expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Peshawar of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on June 11 and 12, while intermittent rains may continue in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from June 7 to 12.
The report warns that due to extreme heat, glaciers are melting rapidly in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and other mountainous areas, which has increased the risk of landslides and floods.
Landslides have been reported in various areas of Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan and Azad Kashmir.
According to the NEOC, landslides on Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, Deosai Road and the Karakoram Highway are likely to affect traffic and block roads.
Similarly, due to the eruption of glacial lakes and rapid melting of glaciers, flooding situations may arise in several areas including Darkot, Lasht, Reshan, Boni, Badswat, Shaspar, Gilgan, Hanarchi, Roshan and Kumrat.
The authorities have warned that there is also a risk of flooding in mountain streams and rivers due to the increase in temperature in the northern areas, which may affect Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan.
The NDMA has issued instructions to the relevant agencies to ensure emergency measures and advance preparations, appealing to the public to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution in adverse weather conditions.
The authority has also urged residents and tourists in mountainous areas to be cautious in view of the risks of landslides and road closures, stay informed of the weather conditions and follow the instructions of the local administration.
The NDMA has further warned that the intense heat in southern Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan can cause health problems, so citizens should avoid intense sunlight, use more water and prioritize the safety of especially hardworking people, children, the elderly and the sick.
The authorities have also advised the public to seek guidance from the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” app for authentic information, safety measures and timely awareness.
