Pakistan Meteorological Department warns of heightened flood and landslide risk in northern mountains

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued its seasonal monsoon outlook for the Hindu Kush‑Karakoram‑Himalayan region, noting that rainfall in Gilgit‑Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to be near‑normal. However, temperatures are forecast to remain above average, which could accelerate snow and glacier melt and increase river runoff.

The department cautioned that the combination of warmer conditions and normal rainfall may raise the likelihood of flash floods, landslides, debris flows and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Recent landslides have already blocked key roads in the Astore Valley and the routes to Chipurson and Misgar valleys, disrupting transport and threatening local communities. PMD urged residents, tourists and authorities to stay vigilant, monitor official advisories and avoid travel during heavy rain events.

The outlook aligns with assessments from regional climate bodies such as ICIMOD and the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum, and highlights the need for continued preparedness in vulnerable mountainous valleys.