PDMA issues GLOF alert for K-P districts

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Tuesday issued a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) alert for five upper districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), directed district administrations to take precautionary measures, and advised residents in low-lying areas to remain alert.

According to the PDMA, glaciers may melt due to prevailing weather conditions in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, and Upper Kohistan, adding that intense rainfall could trigger glacial lake outbursts, flash floods, and landslides in these regions.

The advisory mentioned that scattered rainfall and thunderstorms, including isolated heavy downpours, are expected to affect vulnerable areas, increasing the risk of GLOFs and flash floods, where rising temperatures combined with rainfall may accelerate glacier melt.

"District administrations have also been instructed to conduct evacuation drills in at-risk communities and ensure that safe evacuation sites are fully stocked and operational. Authorities have been asked to ensure proactive monitoring of vulnerable glacial sites for timely early warnings and responses," it said.

The PDMA advised residents in low-lying areas to remain alert, while local communities in vulnerable areas must be forewarned through effective communication systems, including community-based alerts.

The authority also directed that emergency and rescue services personnel remain available, with necessary machinery and equipment pre-positioned for rapid response.

Read More: Snowfall, rain expected in K-P as temperatures drop sharply

According to PDMA, a public awareness campaign was launched, urging people to avoid unnecessary movement near streams, nullahs, and rivers, and warning about the risk of vehicles being swept away in fast-flowing water.

"Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to sensitive areas. Authorities have been asked to maintain coordination with the National Highway Authority (NHA), Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), and Communication and Works (C&W) Department for timely road restoration in case of blockages," it added.

In case of heightened risk, controlled breaching of vulnerable glacial lakes may be carried out to prevent sudden outburst events. The PDMA said its Emergency Operations Centre remained operational round the clock and directed officials to share regular updates. Citizens have been advised to contact the helpline (1700) in case of any emergency.

Also Read: PMD forecasts heavy rain, storms across Balochistan, Punjab, K-P

GLOF occurs when water from a glacier-fed lake is suddenly released, often due to the failure of a natural dam made of ice or debris. This rapid discharge can trigger severe flooding downstream, causing damage to infrastructure, agriculture and communities in mountainous regions.