Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority's National Emergencies Operation Center has issued an alert regarding the risk of flooding, landslides, and flash floods due to potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
According to Radio Pakistan, the prevailing combination of continued seasonal glacier and snowmelt, elevated temperatures, and monsoon-driven rainfall and thunderstorm activity may generate rapid runoff, sudden increases in stream discharge, and instability of glacial lakes in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir from today to Saturday next.
Extra caution is required in Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Rondu, Tangir, Darel, Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, and surrounding areas. Similarly, the current wet spell is expected to continue in the upper catchments of all the major rivers as well as in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Punjab. River flows are expected to increase across all major river systems.
Scattered rain, wind, and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are expected in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir. A heightened landslide threat is anticipated across vulnerable mountainous corridors of Gilgit-Baltistan from the 22nd to the 24th of this month.
The NEOC has advised the local authorities and travelers to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel along landslide-prone mountainous roads and adjoining routes. Relevant departments should monitor vulnerable slopes continuously. Emergency response teams should be kept ready for rapid deployment. Precautionary measures should be implemented to manage potential road blockages and ensure public safety.
