Glacial melt, flash floods, and heat risks raise nationwide emergency preparedness.
Image: NDMA
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been placed on high alert as authorities prepare for the 2026 monsoon season, which is expected to bring around 26% more rainfall than average, according to officials.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued early June warnings for combined risks of extreme heat and flash flooding, particularly in northern and urban regions.
In the north, rapid glacier melt is raising the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides. High-risk areas include Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Kohistan.
Authorities have warned that major roads such as the Karakoram Highway and Skardu Road could face disruption due to landslides and flooding.
In Punjab, including Lahore, emergency services and district administrations have finalised evacuation and urban flood response plans to reduce risks of waterlogging and river overflow during heavy rains.
Officials say preparations are being strengthened in response to extreme weather patterns seen in recent years, including severe flooding in 2025 that affected millions across the country.
That year, Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw widespread damage as major rivers overflowed, displacing large populations and destroying thousands of villages and farmland.
The NDMA has urged citizens to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel to northern regions, and follow evacuation instructions in case of rising water levels.
Authorities have also advised the public to use official warning systems and mobile alerts for real-time updates as the monsoon season approaches.
