NDMA warns of possible GLOFs in KP and G-B

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s National Emergencies Operation Centre has issued a warning about the potential for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

The alert has been issued in view of rising temperatures and anticipated heavy rainfall, Radio Pakistan reported.

The centre has indicated that this situation may lead to increased water levels in local rivers and streams, as well as potential landslides and flash flooding.

In response, the NDMA has instructed the KP Disaster Management Authority and the G-B Disaster Management Authority to coordinate with relevant departments to ensure necessary preparations and emergency response measures are in place.

Local communities, tourists, and travelers in at-risk areas have been advised to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel.

Also read: UNDP unhappy with slow progress on GLOF-II project in G-B

Additionally, the NDMA has launched the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on the Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely alerts, advisories, and guidelines to the public.

Major GLOF events in KP and G-B

2010 – Attabad Lake Disaster

In January 2010, a massive landslide in Hunza Valley created the Attabad Lake, displacing thousands and causing significant damage to infrastructure. The lake’s formation was a result of a GLOF event, blocking the Hunza River and submerging numerous villages.

2015 – Chitral GLOF

In July 2015, a GLOF event in Chitral, KP, led to extensive flooding, damaging homes, roads, and bridges. This disaster resulted in the displacement of thousands of people and significant agricultural losses.

2018 – Badswat GLOF

In July 2018, the Badswat Glacier in Gilgit-Baltistan experienced a significant outburst, causing flash floods that destroyed homes, roads, and agricultural land. The event highlighted the increasing frequency of GLOFs due to climate change.

2019 – Hassanabad GLOF

In May 2019, the Hassanabad Glacier in Hunza, GB, triggered a GLOF that resulted in extensive flooding and infrastructure damage. This event further emphasized the vulnerability of the region to such disasters.

2021 – Yarkhun Valley GLOF

In August 2021, a GLOF event in Yarkhun Valley, Chitral, KP, caused widespread flooding, damaging roads, bridges, and homes. The event disrupted the lives of many residents and highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness.

2022 – Shishper Glacier GLOF

In June 2022, the Shishper Glacier in Hunza, GB, experienced a significant outburst, leading to flash floods that caused considerable damage to infrastructure and agricultural land. This event underscored the ongoing threat of GLOFs in the region.

These events demonstrate the recurring threat of GLOFs in KP and G-B, necessitating continuous monitoring and preparedness to mitigate the impact on local communities.