Authorities have restored and activated an early warning system at Kondal Lake in Upper Dir’s Kumrat Valley. The move aims to strengthen disaster preparedness amid concerns about a possible Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). The system was restored after experts assessed the remote glacial lake and identified potential risks.
A tourist had previously reported unusual activity at the lake, including muddy water, strange sounds and bubbles.
Authorities Strengthen GLOF Monitoring
The unusual activity raised concerns about possible changes within the glacial lake. Experts from national and provincial disaster management authorities inspected Kondal Lake twice.
The then deputy commissioner also conducted an aerial survey of the area by helicopter.
Authorities subsequently installed an early warning system to monitor the lake and provide advance alerts during emergencies. However, the system later became inactive after thieves reportedly stole batteries, solar panels and other equipment.
The Upper Dir district administration has now replaced the equipment.
Officials installed new batteries, solar panels and alarm devices, restoring the warning system to full operation.
Kondal Lake Attracts Adventure Tourists
Kondal Lake sits approximately 10,500 feet above sea level in the mountainous Kumrat Valley. It consists of two interconnected glacial lakes, including a smaller upper lake and a larger lower lake.
The lakes cover an estimated eight to 10 acres and receive water from nearby glaciers. The lake’s clear, cold and sky-blue water attracts adventurous tourists.
However, reaching the lake requires a difficult four-to-five-hour trek through mountainous terrain. Local residents have long associated the area with mysterious sounds and unusual activity. Kumrat resident Shafiullah said locals generally avoid visiting the lake in very small groups.
Another tourist recalled hearing loud noises at intervals of around 30 to 45 minutes during a visit.
He suggested that internal glacier movement or collapse could possibly explain the sounds, although experts would need to establish their cause scientifically.
Previous Glacial Flood Raises Concerns
Concerns about glacial lakes increased after nearby Zeki Jhat and Shazur lakes burst in July 2024.
Pressure from falling glacier masses reportedly triggered the outburst, causing widespread destruction across Kumrat Valley.
The resulting flood damaged homes, agricultural land, hotels, roads and commercial areas.
It also destroyed a hydropower facility, dozens of water mills and parts of the water supply infrastructure.
The Kumrat River ecosystem suffered significant damage as well, while rehabilitation remains incomplete in some areas.
Professor Dr Ehsan Danish of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, warned that Upper Dir, Swat and Chitral face increasing GLOF and flash flood risks.
He linked the vulnerability to unusual and unseasonal weather patterns and warned that climate change impacts were already affecting the region.
He cited the floods of 2010, 2022 and 2024 as major warnings.
The expert urged authorities to remove residential and commercial encroachments from natural waterways and vulnerable routes.
Local explorers have identified at least 27 glacial lakes across the wider Upper Dir mountainous region.
Meanwhile, the Relief Department and Provincial Disaster Management Authority have issued alerts after reviewing potential GLOF threats.
