PMD issues GLOF alert for KP and Gilgit-Baltistan amid heavy rainfall warning

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh alert warning of a heightened risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash flooding across several mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, as a westerly weather system approaches the northern parts of the country.

According to the advisory issued late Sunday, a moderate westerly wave is expected to enter the upper regions of Pakistan and gradually affect KP before extending into Gilgit-Baltistan by Monday. The system is likely to bring widespread rain accompanied by windstorms and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy downpours in mountainous catchments.

The PMD cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions significantly increase the risk of GLOFs, debris flows, and flash floods in vulnerable glacial valleys. Areas identified as high risk include Swat, Lower Chitral, Dir, Upper Hazara, Kohistan, Hoper, Ghulkin, Shishper, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Ghanche, Shigar, and Astore.

Authorities have advised residents in glacial regions to avoid staying near riverbanks and stream beds during rainfall, remain alert to sudden changes in water colour or unusual sounds indicating potential flooding, and move livestock and essential belongings to safer, elevated locations.

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The PMD has also instructed disaster management authorities to maintain round-the-clock preparedness, ensure effective communication with remote valley focal persons, and disseminate timely alerts through SMS and digital platforms.

Separately, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has directed district administrations in Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan, and Mansehra to intensify monitoring of vulnerable sites. It has also ordered evacuation drills in at-risk communities and ensured that emergency shelters and rescue personnel remain on standby.

Residents and tourists have been strongly urged to avoid unnecessary travel near rivers and streams, while local administrations have been instructed to coordinate road restoration efforts in case of blockages.

Officials warned that immediate evacuation is essential if sudden changes in water flow, mudslides, or rockfalls are observed, as the risk of rapid flooding remains high during the forecast period.