PDMA issues glacial flood alert for G-B, KP

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high-alert warning for the mountainous regions, cautioning that rapid glacier melt could trigger severe flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts.

The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the NDMA said that accelerated glacial melting is highly likely to cause sharp surges in river flows across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir until at least July 3.

“Increased pressure on the region’s vast glacial reserves has heightened the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which can unleash immense volumes of water into downstream valleys with little to no warning, threatening adjacent populations and infrastructure,” the PDMA said.

The disaster management authority has urged residents and local administrative bodies in high-risk zones to exercise extreme caution. The areas identified as highly vulnerable include Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Kharmang, Astore, Diamer, Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Swat, and adjoining mountainous districts.

The NEOC has advised tourists and local communities to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams, and glacial lakes.

Travelers have been advised to stay away from embankments and waterways originating from glaciers until weather conditions stabilise and water flows recede.