The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a warning for moderate to heavy rain, severe winds, and hailstorms throughout the province of Punjab.
"As intimated by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, and Kasur from February 17 to 21," the Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said in a statement.
Meanwhile, mild to moderate rain, wind, and thunderstorms are forecast in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan on February 18 and 19.
The PDMA has directed District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to ensure their preparedness and take all relevant measures. It has also urged rescue officials and authorities to "remain on high alert and have sufficient emergency response personnel and equipment [at their disposal] during the forecasted period."
The PDMA has also cautioned travelers about the dangers of flooding and landslides. It urged travelers to seek guidance and support from local authorities, police, and rescue services in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast moderate to severe rainfall in Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad, and Balochistan as well.
"From February 18 to 20, heavy rain or snowfall may disrupt and cause road closures in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli. The NDMA stated that landslides in Upper KP, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan cannot be ruled out during the projected period.