The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), warning that a fresh westerly weather system expected next week could increase the risk of flooding, landslides and other hazards in glaciated valleys.
Weather System Details
In an advisory shared by the PMD on X, the department stated, "A fresh westerly wave is likely to approach northern areas of Pakistan during the following week." Under the influence of this system, "partly cloudy to cloudy weather with moderate to heavy rain/thundershowers is expected in G-B and K-P," the advisory added.
The PMD noted that daytime temperatures were already running above normal in glaciated valleys and warned that "the combination of substantial warming and precipitation is likely to substantially accelerate snow and ice melt." This could lead to high river water levels, rapid expansion of existing glacial lakes, and the formation of new glacial lakes due to increased meltwater volumes.
Risks and Vulnerable Areas
According to the advisory, vulnerable downstream locations and low-lying areas adjacent to riverbeds may face "a high risk of sudden inundation," while there are also chances of flash flooding in vulnerable locations. The department warned that rapid glacial lake expansion could destabilise natural ice or moraine dams, "potentially triggering GLOF incidents."
Thawing permafrost, combined with excess surface water, could trigger heavy mud and debris flows down mountain slopes and increase the likelihood of landslides in steep terrain, the PMD cautioned.
Precautionary Measures for Residents
The PMD advised residents and visitors in snow-bound and glaciated valleys to stay away from riverbanks, stream beds and local nullahs, monitor water levels closely, and refrain from camping, trekking or staying near riverbanks, streams, glacial lakes and narrow mountain valleys. It also urged people to avoid steep slopes and unstable terrain where melting snow could trigger landslides or debris flows, and to "closely and continuously monitor weather forecasts and official advisories" issued by the department.
Authorities Advised to Stay Alert
The advisory further called on disaster management authorities and relevant line departments to ensure "24/7 alertness" and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation. It also urged authorities to rapidly disseminate the alert through all available communication channels, including SMS, social media platforms and local community networks. "All concerned are advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation," the PMD said.
