PESHAWAR, August 18, 2026: The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has issued a landslide alert for vulnerable mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning of an increased risk of landslides, rockfalls and debris flows from August 19 to 22, 2026.
According to the alert, mountainous areas of Malakand, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Shangla, Swat, Battagram, Allai, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kolai Palas, Mansehra and Galiyat have been identified as particularly vulnerable.
The NDMA warned that landslides, falling rocks and debris flows could disrupt traffic and lead to temporary or prolonged closure of roads in sensitive mountainous areas.
Several major roads and corridors have been identified as high-risk locations, including N-45 from Batkhela to Chakdara and Dir, Matkani Road, N-45, S-4A and S-16 in the Dir valleys, and N-90 and N-95 connecting Chakdara, Mingora, Madyan, Bahrain and Kalam. Roads in Allai, Pokal and Gangwal have also been identified as vulnerable.
In Chitral, N-140 and the Chitral-Booni-Mastuj corridor, N-45 from Drosh to Lowari and Chitral, and the Chitral-Garam Chashma Road are among the areas facing an increased landslide risk.
The alert also covers sections of the Karakoram Highway, particularly around Dasu, Komila and Seau, as well as roads connecting Patan, Dubair, Jijal, Palas and Kolai. The N-15 corridor around Balakot, Kaghan and Naran, along with the Abbottabad-Galiyat-Thandiani roads, has also been declared vulnerable.
The NDMA cautioned that landslides and rockfalls could damage roads, bridges, retaining walls and other infrastructure, disrupt traffic and potentially cut off land access to remote communities.
Sudden slope failures and debris flows could also pose a direct threat to travellers, drivers, local residents and communities located near unstable mountain slopes.
The authority directed district administrations and relevant departments to maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable mountain slopes and keep emergency response teams ready for immediate action.
Authorities have also been advised to ensure the advance availability of heavy machinery, rescue equipment and alternative arrangements to deal with possible road blockages and traffic disruptions.
The NDMA urged residents and travellers to avoid unnecessary travel through landslide-prone mountainous areas and check the latest weather and road conditions before beginning any journey.
Travellers encountering landslides, falling rocks or debris flows have been advised to move to a safe distance from affected areas and strictly follow instructions issued by local administrations and rescue agencies.
The public has also been encouraged to obtain timely information about weather conditions and potential natural hazards through the NDMA’s official “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application.
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