Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning to travellers, advising them to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable and high-altitude areas amid forecasts of snowfall, landslides, and avalanches across northern Pakistan.
According to the NDMA, the alert comes in view of an approaching westerly wave expected to enter the western parts of the country from the night of December 29. The system is projected to intensify on December 30 and affect most upper and central regions by December 31, persisting in high-altitude areas until the morning of January 2, 2026.
Under the influence of this weather system, snowfall may lead to slippery roads and potential road closures in areas including Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli. The NDMA also warned of possible landslides and avalanches in the hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir during the same period.
Tourists and travellers have been strongly urged to exercise caution, limit unnecessary journeys, and verify road and weather conditions before travelling. Meanwhile, foggy conditions in central and southern Punjab as well as upper Sindh are expected to ease during the wet spell.
The NDMA has also instructed Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), and ICT Administration to ensure preparedness and maintain emergency response teams on alert. Authorities have been asked to disseminate timely information, monitor vulnerable areas, and take proactive measures to minimize potential risks to life, property, and critical infrastructure.
The NDMA continues to closely monitor the evolving weather situation and is coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure timely response and mitigation efforts.
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