The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued an alert for potential rain and snowfall across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Kashmir) on January 26, 2026.
The advisory highlights expected precipitation in the next 12 hours, with rain in lower areas and snowfall in hilly regions, potentially causing disruptions.
Weather Forecast and Affected Areas
Rain is anticipated in numerous KP districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Malakand, Kurram, Waziristan, Mansehra, Mohmand, Buner, Haripur, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Kohat.
In GB, areas like Gilgit, Astore, Ghizer, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar may see rain, with snowfall in mountainous zones. Azad Kashmir regions such as Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and Neelum are expected to experience rain, alongside snow in upper elevations. The alert also extends to parts of Balochistan, though specifics focus on northern territories.
Potential Impacts and Response Measures
Slippery roads and traffic disruptions are major concerns due to the weather. NDMA advises avoiding unnecessary travel and adopting safety precautions. Relevant departments are instructed to stay alert for rescue operations and road restoration.
NEOC is providing advance updates to public and institutions. Pakistan Army has already conducted relief in Orakzai and Kurram, clearing blocked roads and evacuating stranded vehicles using heavy machinery. In Orakzai, emergency road clearance occurred amid heavy snowfall.
In Kurram, an eight-kilometer stretch of Manato Sadda road was restored, ensuring safe evacuation. This proactive stance aims to mitigate risks from inclement weather. While the immediate forecast is for the next 12 hours, ongoing monitoring is emphasized.
Residents are urged to heed warnings to prevent accidents. The alert underscores NDMA’s role in disaster preparedness amid seasonal changes.