ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood alert for vulnerable valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that a combination of rising temperatures and an incoming westerly wave could trigger flash floods starting 3 May.
According to met department, a moderate westerly wave is forecast to enter upper Pakistan from 3 May, bringing widespread rain, wind thunderstorms, and isolated heavy downpours across GB and KP. The PMD says the sudden spike in temperatures followed by precipitation “significantly elevates the risk” of GLOFs, debris flows, and flash flooding.
The Met Office has flagged multiple valleys as particularly vulnerable:
Gilgit-Baltistan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Hoper, Ghulkin, Shishper
Swat
Yasin, Phander, Badswat
Upper Dir
Lower Hunza, Nagar
Upper & Lower Chitral
Ghanche, Shigar, Astore
Upper Kohistan
District administrations in Upper Kohistan, Swat, Upper Dir, and Upper & Lower Chitral have been directed to monitor glacial lakes for possible outbursts around the clock.
According to the PMD, higher-than-usual temperatures are accelerating glacier melt. The incoming rains from 3 May onward could destabilize fragile moraine dams holding back glacial lakes, increasing chances of sudden breaches.
Safety advisories for residents
The PMD and disaster management authorities have urged communities in glaciated valleys to:
Avoid riverbanks and stream beds during rainfall
Watch local nullahs for sudden muddiness or grinding rock sounds
Move livestock and essentials to higher, safe ground
Coordinate with Community Based Disaster Risk Management Committees
Maintain contact with technical focal persons in remote valleys
Disaster Management Authorities have been placed on 24/7 alert. The PMD has requested wide dissemination of the warning via SMS and social media. “All concerned are advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation,” the alert signed by Meteorologist Zeenat Yasmeen states.
Residents and tourists in northern areas are advised to track updates from the PMD and local administration before planning travel from 3 May onward.
