GLOF risk rises amid heavy rains in north

NDMA warns of floods, landslides as glaciers melt

LAHORE:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of a heightened risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir as ongoing monsoon rains and rising temperatures accelerate glacier melt.

The NDMA has issued an alert for heavy rainfall in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas from today until Saturday.

Heavy rainfall is also likely in multiple areas of K-P, including Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Peshawar.

Heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding in urban areas, while flooding and landslides are also possible in mountainous regions.

The NDMA has also issued a potential flood alert for Gilgit-Baltistan, K-P and Azad Jammu and Kashmir due to the possible outburst of glacial lakes.

The risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) has increased due to rapidly melting glaciers caused by ongoing monsoon rains and rising temperatures.

Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Rondu, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Kharmang and Neelum Valley have been identified as vulnerable areas.

Similarly, there is a risk of flash flooding and landslides in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Buner and adjoining mountainous areas.

The public is advised to avoid unnecessary movement near glacial rivers, streams and other hazardous locations.

The NDMA has urged the public to stay informed about weather conditions, early warnings and instructions issued by district administrations.

The public is also advised to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for the latest information and alerts.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall could trigger landslides in several districts of K-P, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during Tuesday night and Wednesday, while heavy falls may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas, according to the weather forecast issued on Tuesday.

The warning covers Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Battagram, Buner, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.

Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Gujrat could also experience urban flooding in low-lying areas during the forecast period.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said moist currents were approaching the upper parts of the country, while a westerly trough was present over the northern areas.

On Tuesday, rain, wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, were expected in upper K-P, Islamabad, upper Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas. Other plain areas were expected to experience hot and humid weather.

For Wednesday, rain, wind and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls were forecast for upper K-P, the Potohar region, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas.

The warning comes after significant rainfall was recorded in Rawalpindi and Islamabad during the previous 24 hours.

Rawalpindi received 201 millimetres at Shamsabad, 191mm at Chaklala and 187mm at New Kattarian. Pirwadhai received 87mm and Katcheri 78mm.