Rising temperatures and monsoon rains increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods and landslides from September 2 to 5.
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of possible glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir amid continued monsoon rainfall and rising temperatures.
The warning was issued by the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) on Tuesday and covers the period from September 2 to 5.
The authority said rising temperatures combined with persistent monsoon rainfall were accelerating glacier melt, increasing the risk of glacial lakes bursting in vulnerable mountainous areas.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the vulnerable areas include Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Roundu, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche and Kharmang. The Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir has also been identified as at risk.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Buner and adjoining mountainous areas face potential flash floods and landslides.
Heavy rain forecast
The NEOC has forecast thunderstorms and heavy to torrential rainfall in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas from September 2 to 5.
Heavy rainfall is also expected in Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Peshawar.
The NDMA warned that intense rainfall could trigger urban flooding in cities, while mountainous areas could face flash floods, landslides and debris flows.
Authorities put on high alert
The NDMA has directed relevant departments to continuously monitor vulnerable glaciers, glacial lakes, rivers, streams and nullahs and maintain a high level of preparedness.
Local administrations have been instructed to take precautionary measures, pre-position essential resources in vulnerable locations and keep evacuation arrangements ready.
Residents have been advised to stay away from low-lying areas, streams, nullahs and rainwater channels and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
The NDMA also urged the public to immediately report any sudden rise in water levels, unusual muddy discolouration of water or abnormal activity near glaciers to the relevant authorities.
Warning for tourists and travellers
The authority advised tourists and travellers in flood-prone areas to exercise extreme caution around rivers and seasonal streams, where water levels can rise rapidly.
People have been strictly warned against attempting to cross floodwater or fast-flowing streams either on foot or by vehicle, as even seemingly shallow water can sweep away people and vehicles.
Travellers have been advised to check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before departure. Authorities have also been directed to enforce traffic restrictions and prevent travel on roads closed because of weather-related hazards.
The NDMA said it would continue providing timely alerts to relevant institutions regarding emerging risks.
The public has been advised to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for the latest warnings and emergency information. Those requiring assistance during a possible flood emergency can dial 911.