Summary NDMA warns of heatwave and storms across Pakistan, PM Shehbaz Sharif orders monsoon preparedness and probe into GB warning system failure.
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a comprehensive weather alert warning of an intense heatwave across multiple regions, including Karachi, expected to persist until May 5.
The authority, through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), urged all relevant institutions to activate emergency response plans and advised citizens to take precautionary measures against heat-related health risks such as dehydration and heatstroke.
According to NDMA, the current weather pattern aligns with its earlier seasonal outlook, indicating a period of climatic extremes from April to June. Severe heatwave conditions are expected in Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan, affecting major urban centers including Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Turbat.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in various regions between April 24 and 29. Upper and central districts, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Murree, are expected to receive rainfall along with dust storms and gusty winds.
In Balochistan, northern areas such as Quetta, Ziarat, Kalat, and Khuzdar may experience rain with strong winds, while coastal regions like Gwadar are likely to remain hot and dry.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, along with Azad Jammu and Kashmir, are expected to witness intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms during the same period.
The NDMA has directed authorities to establish cooling centers, ensure hospitals remain on high alert, and prepare for emergency response as weather conditions evolve.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a high-level inquiry into the non-functional early warning system in Gilgit-Baltistan meant for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). He also directed all relevant institutions to accelerate coordinated preparations ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
