NDMA issues red alert for May 26–31 assevere weather raises risk of glacial floods and landslides

The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert for May 26 to 31, warning of heavy rains, thunderstorms, hailstorms, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides across northern and mountainous regions of Pakistan due to rising temperatures and rapidly melting glaciers

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2026) The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert for May 26 to 31, warning of heavy rains, thunderstorms, hailstorms, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides across northern and mountainous regions of Pakistan due to rising temperatures and rapidly melting glaciers.

According to the NDMA, the alert covers Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh, where unstable weather conditions are expected to trigger urban flooding, road blockages and disruption to travel activities.

The authority said increasing temperatures combined with rainfall could significantly raise water levels in local streams and nullahs, particularly in glacier fed regions.

The NDMA warned that northern areas remain highly vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods, landslides and surging water flows in rivers and streams.

Authorities fear that heavy rainfall and possible flooding could lead to closure of key roads and highways in mountainous terrain.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms is expected between May 26 and 31 in Chitral, Dir, Mingora, Hangu, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur and Parachinar.

In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rain and hailstorms are likely in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli and Bhimber during the same period.

Punjab is expected to receive thunderstorms and rainfall from May 28 to 31 in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sahiwal, Okara, Faisalabad, Kasur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Multan.

In Balochistan, rainfall is forecast between May 30 and 31 in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, Khuzdar and Turbat, with chances of hailstorms at isolated locations.

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Sindh may experience strong winds and thunderstorms on May 30 and 31 in Thatta, Badin, Mithi, Hyderabad and Karachi.

The NDMA further cautioned that mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir face a heightened risk of landslides due to persistent rainfall and rising temperatures. Areas including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam, Upper Kohistan and parts of Azad Kashmir have been declared highly sensitive.

Several key routes, including the Karakoram Highway, Naran Road and Jaglot-Skardu Road, may face closures due to landslides.

Authorities also identified Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala and Passu as particularly vulnerable zones. Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road and Deosai Road are also at risk of disruption.

Tourist destinations and mountainous areas such as Kalam, Ushu, Kundol, Arang Kel, Dasu, Pattan and Chitral Valley may witness disruption in travel and tourism related activities.

The NDMA said rapidly melting glaciers and continued rainfall could create flood-like conditions in Darkot, Lasht, Ishkoman, Pundoro, Reshun, Booni, Bad Swat, Shisper, Gulkin, Hanarchi, Roshan and Kumrat.

Similar flood threats persist in Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Sudhnoti, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan.

The authority has directed all provincial and district administrations, along with relevant departments, to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness in vulnerable areas and along sensitive highways.

The NDMA advised tourists and commuters to check weather and road conditions before travelling to northern areas and urged the public to stay updated through the official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application.