Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Friday issued an urgent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that a persistent rise in temperatures combined with an upcoming weather system may result in dangerous flash floods in vulnerable northern valleys over the coming days.
According to the official GLOF Alert issued from the PMD’s Research and Development Division in Islamabad, the combination of ongoing high temperatures and an approaching weather system is likely to accelerate snow and glacier melt in glaciated regions. This increased meltwater could result in the sudden bursting of glacial lakes, causing devastating GLOF events and flash floods in adjacent valleys and downstream communities.
The PMD has particularly cautioned residents, local administrations, and relevant authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to stay on high alert, as the situation may escalate during the current and upcoming week.
“Due to a significant rise in temperatures and the upcoming weather system in Northern Pakistan, the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) is very likely to increase in glaciated areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the alert stated.
“The persistent high temperatures may accelerate snow and glacier melt and subsequent weather events, potentially triggering GLOF and flash flood incidents in vulnerable valleys and surrounding regions.”
In view of the threat, the PMD has advised all concerned departments and emergency response teams to remain vigilant and to take preventive measures to mitigate the risk of any untoward incidents.
The alert, signed by meteorologist Zeenat Yasmeen on behalf of the Chief Meteorologist at PMD, was circulated to key stakeholders involved in national and regional disaster response, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Federal Flood Commission (FFC), the Ministry of Climate Change, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pakistan GLOF-II Project teams, Rescue 1122, and environmental protection agencies.
Officials in Gilgit-Baltistan and KP have been urged to disseminate the information at the district level and ensure that early warning systems and community