KEY POINTS
- NDMA urges tourists and travellers to avoid hiking and camping in flood-prone areas as risks of flash floods and landslides grow.
- Met Office warns of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential urban flooding in major cities and tourist spots through Sunday.
- Rescue services and local administrations are on high alert to manage the monsoon rains-related crisis.
ISLAMABAD: With 242 people dead and nearly 600 injured in monsoon rain-related incidents, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged tourists to avoid travelling to vulnerable northern areas of the country as heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides continue to threaten lives and infrastructure.
From the mud-slicked hills of Murree to the scenic trails of Gilgit-Baltistan, what were once postcard-perfect destinations have become potential danger zones.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted more rains and thundershowers from Wednesday through Sunday. The forecasted rains can also cause flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.
Speaking to WE News English, Saad Bin Awais, spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority, said that the department has issued a high-alert advisory in response to the fresh spell of rains and strong winds forecasted in upper parts of the province.
In a formal announcement by KP Tourism Authority Secretary Dr. Abdul Samad, all pending and approved staff leaves have been cancelled, and personnel have been directed to report to duty immediately to ensure effective coordination and emergency response.
He said, the department has also activated a Flood Emergency Response Unit at the KP Culture and Tourism Authority’s Office 1422, and appointed focal persons across districts for swift crisis management.
In addition, tourist police deployment and operational helplines have been mandated, while local administrations and Rescue 1122 services have been ordered to stay on high alert to safeguard tourists and local populations.
NDMA’s Travel Advisory
NDMA has issued a travel advisory as rains continue to batter the country’s north and northeast.
The advisory warns tourists against trekking, hiking, and camping in regions vulnerable to landslides and flash floods.
It also lists over several critical precautions for tourists—from choosing high-ground accommodation to steering clear of swollen nullahs and potholes masked by floodwater.
The NDMA urges travellers to plan wisely, monitor weather updates, avoid crowding popular tourist spots, and carry essentials like clean drinking water, weather-appropriate clothing, and emergency supplies. Parents are particularly cautioned to keep children away from open drains and waterlogged areas.
NDMA urged travellers to avoid littering, which clogs drainage systems, exacerbates flooding, and contributes to longer-term environmental harm.
Locals are asked to cooperate with officials and not ignore barricades or hazard warnings, however inconvenient.
And most importantly, the NDMA asks everyone—tourists and residents alike—to stay informed. Use radio, mobile alerts, and official weather apps to track updates.
Weather Warnings from Met Office
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has painted a grim forecast, especially for the picturesque—but highly exposed—regions of Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Galiyat, Chitral, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Naran, Kaghan, Hunza, and Skardu.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected midweek—particularly on Wednesday and Thursday—posing grave risks of flash floods in mountain streams and nullahs.
Urban flooding is also likely in low-lying areas of major cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Peshawar.
PMD’s forecast also warns of mudslides and landslides potentially cutting off access to tourist routes in hilly areas, with strong winds and lightning posing additional threats to fragile homes, billboards, and outdoor infrastructure.
Rescue Services on High Alert
Behind the scenes, the government’s disaster response machinery is in full gear.
Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) have been activated across provinces, and district administrations are working round-the-clock to monitor developments. Rescue 1122, fire brigades, civil defence teams, and ambulance services have been placed on alert.
Local authorities are also taking steps to limit the number of visitors in high-risk tourist zones and are securing loose structures like hoardings and solar panels.
Special attention is being paid to low-lying and densely populated areas, where early alerts could mean the difference between evacuation and entrapment.
