Pakistan’s NDMA Issues Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Alert for GB, KP and AJK

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert over the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir amid ongoing monsoon rains, rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melting.

According to the alert, several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan have been identified as vulnerable, including Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Rondu, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Kharmang and Neelum Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The NDMA warned that rapidly melting glaciers, combined with monsoon rainfall and elevated temperatures, could increase the likelihood of glacial lakes bursting and triggering sudden floods in downstream areas.

Several mountainous districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra and Buner, have also been identified as vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.

The disaster management authority directed relevant departments to maintain continuous monitoring of vulnerable glaciers, glacial lakes, rivers, streams and other waterways. Authorities were also instructed to remain on high alert and ensure timely precautionary measures at the local level.

The NDMA advised residents to avoid unnecessary movement near glacier-fed rivers, streams and other potentially hazardous locations. People were also urged to immediately report unusual rises in water levels, abnormal changes in water color caused by sediment and other unusual developments near glaciers to the relevant authorities.

Separately, the National Emergency Operations Centre warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in parts of Potohar and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from September 2 to 5. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree and Galiyat are among the areas expected to receive significant rainfall.

The advisory also covers several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Peshawar, where urban flash flooding, flooding and landslides remain possible.

The NDMA urged the public to stay away from low-lying areas, streams and rainwater channels, avoid unnecessary travel and remain informed through official weather alerts and instructions issued by district administrations.

Pakistan’s northern mountainous regions are particularly exposed to GLOF risks. Official climate authorities have previously noted that thousands of glacial lakes have formed in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with dozens assessed as potentially hazardous.