NDMA Issues Heatwave & Flood Alert for May 26-31

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority has issued a nationwide weather outlook for May 26 to 31. The advisory warns that rising temperatures, heatwave conditions, glacial melting, flash floods, and landslides could impact several parts of Pakistan, particularly the northern and southern regions.

According to the NDMA, temperatures are expected to rise significantly across most parts of the country, with several regions likely to experience extreme heat ranging between 40°C and 48°C. Regions including Southern Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan are expected to remain under intense heatwave conditions during the forecast period.

Provincial disaster management authorities have already initiated anticipatory actions in line with federal directives to tackle any emergency arising from extreme temperatures. Public awareness campaigns have been launched, while emergency response teams, cooling centres, and medical preparedness measures are being strengthened nationwide.

Moist western weather systems may trigger light rain in northern areas, including the Pothohar region. However, rapidly rising temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and other mountainous areas are accelerating glacier melt, increasing the risk of landslides, flash floods, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

Areas including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan, and parts of Azad Kashmir have been identified as vulnerable to landslides. The NDMA further warned that key routes, including the Karakoram Highway, Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, and Deosai Road, may face blockages due to falling debris and landslides.

The authority also identified Shimshal, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala, and Passu as highly sensitive areas where road connectivity may be disrupted due to unstable mountain slopes. Due to rapidly melting glaciers and the possible bursting of glacial lakes, flood-like situations may emerge in Darkot, Lasht, Reshun, Booni, Swat, Shisper, Golgin, Hanarchi, Roshan, and Kumrat.

In Sindh, districts including Jacobabad, Qamber Shahdadkot, Dadu, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, and Mirpurkhas are expected to remain under severe heat stress. Similarly, Chagai, Washuk, Kharan, Turbat, Dera Murad Jamali, Usta Muhammad, Sibi, Lehri, Naseerabad, and Jaffarabad in Balochistan are likely to experience extreme temperatures.

The NDMA has directed all relevant institutions to ensure emergency preparedness and preventive measures. An additional advisory has been issued regarding modifications in uniforms and dress codes during the heatwave. According to the advisory, uniforms and clothing should be light colored and loose-fitting to reduce heat absorption and improve ventilation in extreme weather conditions. The guidance has been shared with all relevant departments and institutions. Provincial disaster management authorities have been instructed to accelerate precautionary measures in vulnerable areas, and the public is urged to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious during adverse weather conditions. Residents and tourists in mountainous regions are advised to stay alert to the risks of landslides and road closures, monitor weather updates closely, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.