Road closures feared amid snowfall forecast in northern areas

NDMA urges preparedness ahead of cold wave

ISLAMABAD:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday urged provincial and regional disaster management bodies to stay vigilant and issue timely alerts ahead of an approaching westerly wave expected to affect parts of the country in coming days.

Forecasts say the weather system will enter western Pakistan late on Dec 29, intensify on Dec 30 and affect most upper and central regions by Dec 31, with conditions persisting in northern areas until Jan 2, 2026.

Under its influence, heavy snowfall from Dec 30 to Jan 2 may trigger road closures and slippery conditions in Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli. Landslides and avalanches are also likely in hilly areas of upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Tourists have been advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable high-altitude areas.

Meanwhile, fog is expected to ease in central and southern Punjab and upper Sindh during the wet spell.

In view of the anticipated risks, NDMA has directed all Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), G-B 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.

The NDMA said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant stakeholders, advising the public to stay updated via the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile app, especially before travelling to affected areas.