The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Saturday issued a warning about glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash flooding in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, citing untimely rains and rising temperatures across the country.
Climate Change Impact
Pakistan, being one of the countries most affected by climate change, has recently experienced heavy rainfall, flash floods, heatwaves, droughts, and GLOF events that have caused widespread destruction. In recent weeks, daytime temperatures have soared above 35 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country.
Rising Temperatures and Snowmelt
The rise in temperatures is expected to accelerate snowmelt, while rainfall in certain districts may lead to the overflow of glacial lakes. The PDMA has issued an alert for several districts, including Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Upper and Lower Kohistan, and Mansehra, warning of flood, landslide, rock, and mudslide risks in these areas.
“Due to severe heat and rainfall, glaciers and snow in northern districts are melting rapidly,” the authority stated. “The increased water flow caused by rainfall has raised the risk of GLOFs and flash floods.”
Precautionary Measures
The PDMA noted that sudden flooding in streams and rivers could trigger flood situations in low-lying areas. Local administrations have been directed to continuously monitor vulnerable locations. District administrations are also instructed to issue timely warnings in high-risk areas, conduct evacuation drills, ensure essential supplies are available at safe locations, activate alert systems, and strengthen coordination with local disaster management committees.
Public Advisory
The PDMA has advised the public to stay away from rivers, streams, and fast-flowing water channels during the heatwave and to avoid unnecessary travel. This advisory comes after five people were killed and 23 injured in several rain-related incidents in Pakistan's Punjab province earlier this week, as reported by a rescue official.
Last year, at least 1,000 people lost their lives when intense monsoon rains, combined with excess water released from Indian dams, triggered flash floods across the country.
