The National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued a high-risk warning for sudden glacial floods and landslides in northern Pakistan, advising tourists and non-essential travelers to avoid mountain routes from July 10 to 14.
Landslide and Flood Alerts
NEOC stated that landslide alerts cover July 11–13, while flood and river surge warnings apply across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir until July 14. Authorities will conduct rapid hazard assessments and relay real-time warnings to local administrations.
Trigger Factors and High-Risk Zones
Officials warned that rising temperatures and ongoing heavy rain could trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), debris flows, sudden river surges, and rockfalls in vulnerable glacial valleys and hill torrents. NDMA identified multiple high-risk zones including Badswat, Ashkoman, Hinarchi, Yasin, Khaplu, Hisper Hoper, Gultang, and surrounding areas. Vulnerable roads highlighted include Jaglot–Skardu, Hunza–Gojal, and Gilgit–Ghizer, as well as routes to Naltar, Bagrot, and Hermosh.
Precautionary Measures
The NEOC urged immediate precautions: stay away from glacial lakes, river channels, and known flood paths; avoid travel on landslide-prone roads; and follow instructions from local authorities. NDMA warned that bank erosion and sudden debris flows could rapidly worsen conditions and instructed district administrations to mobilize emergency response teams and issue on-the-ground warnings.
For official updates and safety guidance, the public and visitors are advised to use the Pakistan NDMA Disaster Alert app.
