In view of windstorms and thundershowers forecast for the upper and central parts of the country between May 28 and June 1, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday directed all concerned departments to remain on a high alert, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The NDMA said that landslides, resulting from heavy rains, could disrupt the flow of traffic on roads in the mountainous areas.

Apart from that, it said, downpours in these areas could lead to a deluge in rivers and streams due to which they could eventually burst their banks; therefore all concerned departments should remain on their toes.

“They should keep their staff and machinery ready to deal with any eventuality,” said the Authority, adding that the people living in mud houses should be shifted to safe places.

However, it said that since strong winds could damage crops, electricity poles, homes and other buildings, therefore people should avoid taking shelter under such structures.

Similarly, the NDMA asked people to exercise caution so that they could protect themselves from lightning.    

In its alert, the Authority advised people planning to visit the country’s north to better avoid travelling to these areas these days, and even if they go ahead with their plan, know about the weather updates and ask local administrations about safe routes.

The NDMA's alert is aimed at mitigating risks and ensure the safety of residents and travelers in the affected regions.

PDMA issues rain, windstorms alert for Punjab

On the other hand, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) directed all concerned departments and district administrations in Punjab to remain prepared in view of the prediction made by the weather department that heavy rains and strong winds could lash different parts of the province from May 28 to June 1.

PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia said that as per the instructions given by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, all district administrations in the province had been put on a high alert.

He said that since downpours could damage crops, therefore district administrations should advise them to take precautionary measures.

Kathia said coordination between different departments was a must if people were to be protected from natural calamities. “People are advised to stay at safe places and avoid going out in the open so that they could keep themselves safe from lightning,” he advised.

PDMA DG asked people to dial helpline number 1129 or approach Rescue1122 in case of an emergency.

PDMA issues rain alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority also issued a rain alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

In a letter to district officers of the province, the PDMA asked them to remain prepared to deal with any eventuality in view of heavy rains and windstorms forecast for different parts of the province, especially those in the north.  

“Keep your staff and machines ready so that people could be rescued in case any bad thing happens to them,” the Authority said.

The PDMA also asked people to stay away from electricity poles and wires, sign boards and crumbling structures during windstorms.

It also asked the locals as well as the tourists to exercise caution in view of bad weather.

The Authority asked people to dial helpline number 1700 in case of an emergency.

The weather department had on Monday predicted heavy rains and strong winds for different parts of KP, upper and central Punjab, some parts of Balochistan and southern Sindh from May 28 to June 1, adding this would provide a temporary respite to the people from the heatwave.

 Reporters: Rozeena Ali, Ali Ramay and Amir Shahzad