A high alert regarding Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) has been declared for different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan by the Pakistan Meteorological Department on Monday. Moderate west weather has entered upper Pakistan, leading to rainfall, winds, and storms in hill areas.
This warning has been announced by PMD for areas such as Swat, Lower & Upper Chitral, Dir, Upper Hazara, Kohistan, and some districts in Gilgit-Baltistan like Hunza, Nagar, and Astore. Glaciers are currently very vulnerable owing to recent warmings and there may be debris flows and flash floods in these regions.
Authorities Push for Urgent Safety Measures
Disaster management authorities sprang into action from their alert status without any delay. The provincial disaster management authority for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ordered that deputy commissioners in all vulnerable districts should keep watch on all glacial lakes day and night. People were informed to stay away from rivers and streams during rainy days and asked to shift their animals and belongings to safer places if there was a sound or rise in water level in any nullah.
The PDMA underlined the importance of effective communication with distant villages and stocking of relief items at designated locations for evacuations. The tourists visiting these scenic spots were also advised to exercise caution while traveling along the watercourses until the weather conditions improve.
Climate Risks Require Increased Alertness
The latest GLOF warning reflects Pakistan’s increasing susceptibility to climate-related calamities. The fast retreat of glaciers and torrential rains usually make these high altitudes prone to hazardous events. The inhabitants and concerned agencies benefit from previous experiences by responding quickly, although problems persist in contacting distant valleys.
The PMD will continue to keep track of the developing situation and inform the public of any developments after the passing of the weather system.
