The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of possible glacial lake outburst floods in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The warning comes as several areas expect rain from August 31 to September 4. Rising temperatures combined with rainfall could accelerate glacier melting during this period.
According to the PDMA, increased glacier melt could raise water levels in glacial lakes. Consequently, sudden lake outbursts could trigger dangerous floods and fast-moving water in vulnerable areas.
PDMA Orders Monitoring of GLOF Sites
The authority has alerted administrations in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, and Mansehra. It has also directed officials to continuously monitor sensitive GLOF locations.
Furthermore, local administrations must issue timely warnings if conditions become dangerous.
Authorities have urged residents to stay away from rivers, streams, and glacial lakes. People should also avoid narrow mountain valleys where sudden flooding could pose serious risks.
Meanwhile, tourists and travellers have been advised against unnecessary trips to vulnerable areas. Officials have particularly warned against camping and trekking near dangerous locations.
NDMA Forecasts Rain Across Several Regions
Earlier, the National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergencies Operation Centre issued a weather outlook for August 30 to September 4.
The forecast predicts thunderstorms, strong winds, and rainfall across parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.
In Punjab, several districts could receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. These areas include Murree, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, and Gujrat.
Rain could also affect Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur, and Okara. However, most of Punjab will remain hot and humid, with daytime temperatures expected to rise.
Rain Expected in KP, GB and AJK
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, several districts could receive thunderstorms and rainfall. Some locations may also experience heavy showers.
The affected areas include Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, and Mansehra.
Similarly, parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir could receive rain with thunderstorms and strong winds. Some areas may experience heavy rainfall.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, the forecast covers Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, and Astore. In Azad Kashmir, showers could affect Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Bagh, Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber.
Both regions will otherwise remain hot and humid, with daytime temperatures likely to increase.
Meanwhile, most parts of Sindh will also experience hot and humid conditions. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise across the province.
Given the potential GLOF risk, authorities have urged communities and visitors in vulnerable northern areas to remain alert and follow official safety instructions.
