The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a severe weather warning, cautioning residents, tourists, and travelers about potential landslides and avalanches in northern Pakistan due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.

According to the Met Office, cloudy skies with intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall are expected across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Balochistan, upper Punjab, and surrounding hilly regions from Monday to Tuesday.

Also Read: Commuter safety in snow: Hilly area winter travel tips

Heavy Snowfall Likely to Disrupt Travel

The PMD forecast indicates that moderate to heavy rainfall combined with intense snowfall may lead to road closures, slippery conditions, and reduced visibility in key mountainous areas, including:

Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, Galliyat, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noushki, Harnai, and Zhob.

Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in southern Punjab and upper Sindh, further increasing weather-related risks.

Avalanche Risk High in Northern Regions

In an official statement, the PMD warned of a strong possibility of landslides and avalanches in the upper districts of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.

“Tourists are advised to remain extremely cautious and avoid non-essential movement,” the Met Office emphasized.

Recent Avalanche Highlights Growing Danger

The warning follows a deadly avalanche in KP’s Chitral district, where at least nine people lost their lives, while a child was rescued from the debris. Heavy snowfall also forced Rescue 1122 teams to evacuate dozens of residents and tourists from Khyber, South Waziristan, and Swat, where blocked roads disrupted daily life.

Authorities provided food, clothing, and bedding to affected individuals as clearance operations continued.

Also Read: More rain, snowfall expected in Upper Pakistan

Tourists Urged to Heed Weather Advisories

Despite repeated warnings, thousands of tourists continue to flock to Pakistan’s scenic northern areas during winter. Officials recalled the Murree tragedy of January 2022, where 21 people died after being stranded in freezing conditions during a severe snowstorm.

Authorities have once again urged travelers to monitor official weather updates and follow safety advisories to prevent loss of life.