GLOF alert issuedfor G-B, K-P

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday issued an urgent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert, warning of possible flash floods and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa from March 10 to 12.

The alert states that temperatures over the northern mountainous regions have remained above normal over the past several days.

An expected widespread weather spell hitting the region in the coming days is likely to accelerate glacial melt, particularly near glacier termini, raising the risk of sudden and dangerous outburst floods.

Communities living in the affected areas have been advised to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution near rivers, streams, and low-lying valleys.

The concerned authorities across federal and provincial levels have been called upon to take immediate precautionary measures to safeguard both lives and critical infrastructure.

The alert has been formally distributed to a number of key national bodies, including the National Disaster Management Authority, the Federal Flood Commission, the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority of K-P, among others. The PMD has urged all concerned bodies to remain on high alert and take every necessary measure to avoid any untoward situation during this critical three-day weather window.