GLOF alert issued as early monsoon sets in

Sudden outbursts from lakes could trigger flash floods

ISLAMABAD:

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued multiple alerts across Pakistan, warning of potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), flash floods, landslides and heavy monsoon rainfall across northern and southern regions over the next 24 hours.

A combination of sustained high temperatures, intensified monsoon currents, and a prevailing westerly wave has heightened the risk of extreme weather and hydro-meteorological hazards.

In its GLOF advisory, the NDMA reported that persistent heat has accelerated glacier and snowmelt in the Northern areas over recent weeks. The influence of ongoing monsoon rainfall and thunderstorms has increased pressure on glacial lakes, raising the risk of sudden outbursts.

The NEOC specifically identified vulnerable valleys such as Reshun, Brep, Booni, Sardar Gol, Thalu 1 and 2, Badswat, Hinarchi, Darkut and Hundur as high-risk zones.

Sudden outbursts from these lakes could trigger flash floods, posing threats to human life, livestock and agriculture, as well as infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication systems. Access to remote valleys may be temporarily disrupted.

Residents, trekkers, and tourists have been strongly advised to avoid travel near glaciers, glacial lakes, and riverbanks in the identified danger zones.

NDMA urged the public to remain informed through official channels, follow evacuation orders when issued, and report any unusual glacier activity, sounds, or water flows to local disaster management authorities immediately.

To support real-time alerts and risk communication, the NDMA recommended downloading its "Pak NDMA Disaster Alert" mobile app.

Separately, the NDMA also issued a consolidated, impact-based weather alert for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Islamabad, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next 12 to 24 hours.

In AJK, areas including Bagh, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Haveli, Hattian Bala and Mirpur are expected to receive moderate to heavy rain with thunder and lightning.

Similar conditions are forecast for most parts of Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Karachi, Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Thatta and Badin.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts expected to be affected include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Karak, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Bannu, Buner, Hazara, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Waziristan.

Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Hafizabad, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Lahore, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan, is also under alert.

The capital, Islamabad, may experience similar weather conditions.

NDMA cautioned that uprooted trees, damaged power lines, and structural hazards such as collapsed rooftops or electric poles could occur. Visibility may be severely reduced due to dust storms and strong winds, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.

The public is advised to avoid standing near unstable structures, billboards, and trees.

Emergency services have been directed to remain on high alert.

Meanwhile, continuous rainfall in the mountainous Galiyat region on Wednesday triggered multiple landslides and rockfall incidents, disrupting traffic at several key road points. Authorities urged tourists and residents to avoid unnecessary travel and adhere strictly to safety guidelines.

Traffic wardens have been deployed at critical locations, and the district administration has activated a 24/7 helpline (1915) to provide emergency support and information.

In a parallel development, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated the setup of flood emergency warning centres-cum-control rooms at both district and tehsil levels, as heavy rains threaten seasonal nullahs and glacial lakes, especially in low-lying areas.

According to official sources, these centres are being established under the supervision of District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and Deputy Commissioners in all ten districts of AJK.

Equipped with trained personnel from Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and Red Crescent Society (AJK chapter), these units will operate round the clock to assess risk, monitor flood activity, and facilitate timely responses.

Muzaffarabad DC Yasir Riaz confirmed that the centres will stay in continuous contact with central authorities and adjacent flood-prone regions, including Jhelum district, to ensure prompt dissemination of warnings and response coordination.