PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday issued an alert for the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning of a possible Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) due to rising temperatures and intermittent rainfall accelerating glacier melt.
According to the PDMA, the prevailing weather conditions could increase the volume of glacial lakes and raise water levels, heightening the risk of glacial lake outburst floods that may trigger flash floods and strong water flows in vulnerable mountainous areas.
The authority has alerted the district administrations of Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan, and Mansehra, directing them to remain on high alert and implement precautionary measures.
The PDMA instructed local administrations to continuously monitor vulnerable GLOF sites, ensure timely early warning systems, conduct evacuation drills, and keep safe shelters ready for residents living in at-risk areas.
Authorities have also been directed to promptly inform communities in low-lying areas about potential threats and advise them to take necessary safety precautions.
The PDMA urged the public to avoid visiting rivers, streams, glacial lakes, and narrow mountain valleys during the alert period.
Tourists and travellers were also advised to refrain from unnecessary travel, camping, and trekking in vulnerable areas.
The authority warned that fast-flowing water could sweep away vehicles and urged motorists to exercise extreme caution.
Residents were further advised to remain alert to sudden changes in the colour of stream water or unusual sounds from nearby water channels, as these may indicate an impending GLOF event.
People living in vulnerable areas have been advised to move livestock and essential belongings to higher and safer locations as a precaution.
The PDMA also directed rescue and emergency services to ensure operational readiness to respond swiftly to any emergency.
In case of an emergency, the public has been advised to contact the PDMA’s toll-free helpline 1700. The authority said its 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre is continuously monitoring the situation.
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