Pakistan warns of heavy rain, snowfall and landslide risks in northern districts from today

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa says snowfall can make roads slippery in tourist resorts like Naran, Kaghan and Kalam
• Provincial authorities warn tourists and travelers to avoid unnecessary movement during the weather spell

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa warned Friday heavy rains and snowfall expected from today through Dec. 15 could trigger landslides, road closures and hazardous travel conditions across the northern districts.

The alert follows forecasts of widespread precipitation in the province’s mountainous regions, where steep slopes and winter road conditions routinely heighten the risk of disruption.

Dense fog is also expected in the plains, including Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera and Swabi, potentially affecting visibility and slowing motorway traffic.

“The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has issued alerts to all relevant departments to take advance precautionary measures,” the agency said.

It warned that snowfall could make roads slippery in areas such as Naran, Kaghan, Kalam and Jabba, while heavy rain and snow “may increase the risk of landsliding.”

Residents living close to rivers, streams and seasonal water channels were advised to remain vigilant.

Rain and snowfall are also forecast in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Galyat, Haripur, Buner, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram and North and South Waziristan.

Tourists and travelers were urged to avoid unnecessary movement during the weather spell. Daytime temperatures are expected to fall sharply as the cold system intensifies.

Local administrations have also been instructed to keep drainage systems active ahead of the expected rainfall.

Pakistan has faced a series of extreme-weather emergencies in recent years — from devastating floods in 2022 to recurring droughts and record heatwaves — despite contributing less than one percent to global carbon emissions.

Officials say climate volatility has made mountainous regions more prone to landslides and flash floods, highlighting the importance of early warnings and local preparedness.