The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning regarding glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs) in the provinces of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing escalating temperatures. PMD officials forecast that high temperatures will persist until early July.
“This significant warming is expected to cause rapid snow and ice melt,” stated a PMD spokesperson in their alert, issued late on Friday. This increase in temperature is projected to lead to elevated water levels in rivers and streams. Existing glacial lakes are likely to expand rapidly, and new ones may form due to the influx of melted water.
The alert also highlighted that vulnerable areas downstream and regions near riverbeds face a heightened risk of sudden flooding and flash floods. PMD officials advise residents and visitors to stay away from riverbanks, streams, glacial lakes, and narrow mountain valleys. They are urged not to camp or trek in these areas due to the risk of landslides triggered by melting snow.
Additionally, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a landslide alert for northern mountainous regions including Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. NDMA officials emphasize that these conditions align with previous forecasts of intermittent rains and rapidly melting glaciers.
The NEOC warns of the potential for rockfalls, debris flows, and landslides in these regions, particularly in areas prone to steep terrain and high risk of sliding or colluvial movements due to ongoing snowmelt.
Source: Original report
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