NDMA Directs Authorities to Prepare for Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms in Pakistan

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Pakistan has directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), and other relevant departments to prepare for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms until April 29. The NDMA has warned of potential flash floods in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces and has urged the evacuation of at-risk populations from low-lying and flood-prone areas.

According to the NDMA advisory, a series of moderate to intense weather systems are expected to impact Pakistan from April 17 to 29, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms to various regions of the country. The forecast indicates that the heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in vulnerable areas, particularly in southern western Balochistan, Khuzdar, Ziarat, Zhob, Sherani, Muslim Bagh, Quetta, Pishin, Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar, and Turbat.

The NDMA has instructed local departments to ensure the pre-placement of machinery, availability of relevant staff in vulnerable areas, and sensitize residents living along riverbanks and associated nullahs about the expected increase in water flows. Citizens are advised to take precautionary measures and avoid driving or walking in waterways.

Why this matters: The heavy rainfall and potential flash floods pose significant risks to the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas. The timely evacuation of at-risk populations and the implementation of precautionary measures are crucial to mitigate the impact of the expected weather events.

The NDMA has also advised farmers, cattle owners, tourists, and travelers to remain cautious during this period and take necessary steps to protect crops, livestock, and personal safety. "Farmers, pastoralists, tourists, and travelers [should] exercise caution during this period and monitor weather and road conditions before traveling," the NDMA stated in its advisory.

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and various weather models have forecasted that the weather system will impact different regions of the country at different times, with the most severe effects predicted in upper Punjab and KP from April 25 to April 29. The NDMA has urged the PDMAs, DDMAs, and other relevant departments to maintain a state of vigilance and readiness to address any potential emergencies arising from the heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Key Takeaways

• NDMA warns of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flash floods in Pakistan until April 29.
• Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces at high risk of flash floods, evacuation advised.
• NDMA instructs authorities to prepare machinery, staff, and sensitize residents in vulnerable areas.
• Farmers, cattle owners, tourists, and travelers advised to take precautions to protect crops, livestock, and safety.
• Weather system expected to impact upper Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from April 25 to 29, NDMA urges vigilance.