Emergency authorities urge citizens to take precautionary measures as powerful winds and dust storms are expected to affect multiple regions nationwide.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s disaster management authorities have issued a nationwide weather alert warning of strong winds, dust storms and gusty conditions in several parts of the country between June 10 and June 13, raising concerns about disruptions to daily life, transportation and infrastructure.
The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said the developing weather pattern is consistent with its seasonal outlook issued three to four months ago. Officials noted that current atmospheric conditions closely match previously issued forecasts and advisories.
According to the alert, strong winds and dust-laden storms are expected on June 11 and 12 in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan and Bahawalpur. Authorities have specifically warned residents of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding areas to remain vigilant on June 12 as wind intensity is expected to increase significantly.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, localized dust storms and strong winds are forecast for Chitral, Swat, Dir, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan during June 11 and 12. Similar weather conditions are expected to impact various parts of the province, particularly during afternoon and evening hours.
Balochistan is likely to experience the most prolonged impact, with strong winds and dust storms expected from June 10 through June 13. Areas including Quetta, Zhob, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Chagai, Khuzdar, Gwadar and Lasbela could face severe conditions. Additional alerts have also been issued for Ziarat, Chaman, Sibi, Harnai, Barkhan, Musa Khel and Surab, where storm-force winds may develop over the next 12 to 24 hours.
Sindh is also expected to witness widespread windy conditions. Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Umerkot and Mirpurkhas are among the districts likely to be affected between June 11 and 13. Meteorologists have warned that southern and coastal areas of Sindh may experience stronger wind activity and dust storms on June 11.
The NDMA cautioned that reduced visibility caused by blowing dust could create hazardous travel conditions and disrupt transportation networks. Strong winds may also damage weak structures, billboards, trees and temporary installations, while power supply and communication systems could face interruptions in some areas.
Authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense winds and to exercise extra caution while driving. Residents have also been urged to secure rooftop installations, solar panels, water tanks, signboards and other vulnerable objects to prevent damage.
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