NDMA Issues Urgent Advisory for Pakistan’s High-Altitude Areas
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an urgent warning. It urges tourists to avoid high-altitude areas. A severe westerly weather system is the cause. This system will hit Pakistan starting December 29. It will intensify significantly on December 30.
The storm may last until January 2, 2026. Therefore, authorities advise extreme public caution. Forecasts predict heavy snowfall and avalanches. These conditions create serious travel risks. As a result, people should postpone all non-essential trips.
Specific Tourist Destinations Face High Risk
The NDMA’s advisory names many popular locations. These areas face probable road closures. The list includes Naran, Kaghan, Swat, and Murree. It also covers Hunza, Skardu, and Neelum Valley.
Landslides pose an additional major threat. Hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are especially vulnerable. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir also face high risks. Consequently, tourists must avoid all unnecessary travel now.
Official Instructions and Critical Safety Steps
The NDMA activated disaster management protocols. It instructed all provincial authorities to prepare fully. Emergency response teams must stay on high alert. Their duty is to protect life and property proactively.
The authority coordinates with all relevant stakeholders. It promises an immediate response to incidents. Furthermore, the NDMA stressed public communication. Residents and tourists must follow official safety guidelines strictly.
Everyone should check weather updates before traveling. This simple step is essential for safety. Meanwhile, fog will improve in some regions. Central and southern Punjab will see less fog. Upper Sindh will also have better visibility soon.
