Pakistan disaster authorities warn of glacial lake outburst floods

Disaster management authorities in Pakistan have issued urgent alerts regarding the heightened risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned that rising temperatures and ongoing monsoon rainfall are accelerating glacier melt, increasing the likelihood of glacial lakes bursting in vulnerable mountainous regions.

Sensitive areas identified in Gilgit-Baltistan include Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit, and the Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts such as Chitral, Swat, Dir, and Mansehra are at high risk. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa specifically noted that hot weather combined with expected rainfall could rapidly increase water levels in glacial lakes, leading to sudden downstream flooding.

Authorities have directed local administrations to monitor rivers and streams continuously, pre-position essential resources, and prepare evacuation arrangements. Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid low-lying areas, streams, and narrow valleys, and to refrain from unnecessary travel, camping, or trekking in high-risk mountainous zones.