Gilgit Baltistan: Traffic on various sections of the Karakoram Highway has been stopped by floods and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) due to torrential rains.
A spokesman for Gilgit-Baltistan Police informed that torrential rains have wreaked havoc in the region and caused various landslides, blocking off the main road. A massive landslide at Lachi Nala in Kohistan area has blocked the Karakoram Highway to traffic of all kinds.
Travelers have been asked to refrain from traveling during this time of dangerous weather. Also, Chilas city and its vicinity have received heavy rains which has resulted in the lowering of temperatures in these places.
Furthermore, areas like Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat and Bhutogah Top have experienced sporadic snowfalls, which has made the weather even colder in these areas.
However, relief and rescue operations are taking place although it will still take some time before traffic can be resumed on this highway due to the extreme weather conditions.
NDMA issues weather alert, forecasts heavy rain, snow, storms
Earlier, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert for the next 12 to 24 hours, forecasting heavy rainfall, snowfall, and thunderstorms across various parts of Pakistan.
The NDMA has stated that the current weather conditions align with the long-term forecast issued earlier, which predicted these disturbances from April to June. The expected weather includes strong winds, hailstorms, and the possibility of snowfall in higher-altitude areas.
The advisory, released by the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), warns of significant weather disturbances that could impact multiple regions.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with districts such as Chitral, Dera Ismail Khan, Mardan, Swat, Kalam, and Peshawar likely to experience gusty winds and rainfall. Punjab, including cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Mandi Bahauddin, is also forecast to face storms and heavy rain.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are likely to see snowfall, especially in higher regions like Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, and Muzaffarabad. Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, and nearby areas, will also experience strong winds along with rain.
The NDMA has cautioned that these weather conditions could cause damage to weak structures, trees, standing crops, and electricity lines. In mountainous areas, the risk of landslides is elevated due to the ongoing rainfall. The public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly to northern and mountainous regions, and to remain cautious on slippery roads.
Motorists should drive carefully and stay alert for sudden changes in weather conditions. In the event of storms and strong winds, it is important to stay away from trees, fragile structures, and power lines. Citizens are encouraged to use the NDMA’s official mobile app, Pak NDMA Disaster Alert, for real-time updates and safety instructions.
The NDMA has instructed provincial and district authorities to remain on high alert and to ensure preparedness for potential emergencies resulting from the expected weather disturbances.
