NDMA Issues Nationwide Weather Alert: Rapid Glacial Melting and Heavy Rains Threaten Infrastructure
ISLAMABAD – The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a comprehensive nationwide weather alert valid from May 26 to May 31, 2026. Rising temperatures combined with impending heavy rainfall have significantly heightened the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), flash flooding, and landslides across several regions, particularly in the northern territories.
High Risks in Northern Territories: GLOF and Landslides
The upper echelons of Pakistan are facing a dual threat of surging temperatures and heavy precipitation. This combination is causing glaciers to melt at an accelerated pace, drastically increasing the water flow in local rivers and streams.
Critical Areas at Risk of Flash Floods:
Gilgit-Baltistan & Surroundings: Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Darkut, Lasht, Ishkoman, Phundrot, Badswat, Shisper, Gulkin, and Hinarchi.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK): Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Reshun, Boni, Roshan, Kumrat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, and Sudhanoti.
Severe Landslide Warnings & Road Closures
A high risk of severe landslides has been declared for Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and mountainous terrains of AJK.
The NDMA has explicitly designated several critical transit routes as highly vulnerable to closures:
Key Highways: Karakoram Highway (KKH), Naran Road, and Jaglot-Skardu Road.
Inter-Valley Links: Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, Deosai Road, and routes connecting Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala, and Passu.
Travel Disruptions: Tourist and transport activities are expected to be severely impacted in Kalam, Ushu, Kandol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Pattan, and Chitral Valley.
Province-Wise Weather Forecast (May 26–31)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rain wind-thunderstorms with isolated hailstorms are predicted from May 26 to 31. Affected districts include Chitral, Dir, Mingora, Hangu, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Parachinar.
Gilgit-Baltistan & Azad Kashmir
Expect heavy rain-thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms during the same period across Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli, and Bhimber.
Punjab
From May 28 to 31, wind-thunderstorms and hailstorms are anticipated in major cities including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sahiwal, Okara, Faisalabad, Kasur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Multan.
Balochistan
From May 30 to 31, rainfall accompanied by strong winds and isolated hailstorms is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, Khidzar, and Turbat.
Sindh
A short, intense spell on May 30 and 31 will bring gusty winds and thunderstorms to coastal and southern regions, including Thatta, Badin, Mithi, Hyderabad, and Karachi.
NDMA Directives and Public Advisory
Operational Directives
The NDMA has instructed all Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and relevant line departments to remain on high alert. Emergency response machinery must be pre-deployed along sensitive highways and vulnerable mountainous passes to ensure rapid clearance operations.
Guidelines for Travelers and Public:
Pre-Travel Verification: Tourists and commuters planning to visit northern areas must check live weather and road connectivity status before departing.
Stay Updated: The public is strongly advised to download the official "Pak NDMA Disaster Alert" mobile application to receive real-time, location-based safety notifications