Authorities urge residents and tourists to remain vigilant as rising temperatures and rainfall increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and surging rivers.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert over the increasing dangers posed by accelerated glacier melting in Pakistan’s mountainous regions, warning of possible flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and damage to critical infrastructure.
According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), the warning aligns with its seasonal weather outlook released several months ago, which projected above-normal temperatures and associated climate-related hazards.
The authority said its advance forecasting has enabled government departments and emergency response agencies to improve preparedness and coordinate timely mitigation measures.
The NDMA stated that between June 27 and July 3, 2026, rising temperatures combined with expected rainfall are likely to accelerate glacier melting across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The increased meltwater could trigger a sudden rise in water levels in rivers, streams, and tributaries flowing from glaciated regions.
Officials cautioned that growing pressure on glacial lakes significantly raises the likelihood of glacial lake outburst floods, which can unleash large volumes of water without warning.
The alert also highlighted the risks of flash flooding, mudslides, and landslides, particularly in vulnerable mountain valleys and nearby settlements.
The NDMA identified several high-risk districts requiring heightened vigilance, including Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Kharmang, Astore, Diamer, Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Swat, and surrounding areas.
Local administrations have been directed to closely monitor glacier-fed rivers and implement precautionary measures to safeguard communities.
Residents, tourists, and travelers have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams, and glacial lakes.
Before planning trips to mountainous destinations, the public should stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and follow official advisories issued by relevant authorities.
The disaster management authority also urged citizens to immediately notify local officials if they observe a sudden increase in river water levels, unusual changes in water color, or abnormal sounds coming from glacier areas, as these may indicate an impending glacial lake outburst or flood event.
The NDMA warned that severe weather-related incidents could disrupt transportation networks by damaging highways, bridges, irrigation channels, and other public infrastructure. Temporary road closures may isolate remote communities, while low-lying settlements near rivers could face flooding.
To strengthen emergency readiness, provincial disaster management authorities have been instructed to maintain continuous monitoring of weather patterns, glacier conditions, and river flows.
They have also been directed to ensure the availability of machinery, rescue equipment, and emergency response resources in vulnerable regions.
The NDMA appealed to the public to cooperate with local administrations, traffic police, and law enforcement agencies during emergency situations.
It also encouraged citizens to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application to receive real-time weather updates, hazard warnings, and safety guidance throughout the ongoing high-risk period.
