The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan following predictions of a moderate westerly wave entering upper Pakistan.
The weather system, which reached the region on Monday, is expected to cause widespread rain, wind-thunderstorms, and heavy falls in mountainous catchments.
PMD officials stated that these weather patterns “significantly elevated the risk of Glofs, debris flow, and flash flooding in vulnerable areas.”
Specific locations identified as high-risk include Swat, Lower Chitral, Dir, Upper Hazara, Kohistan, Hunza, Nagar, and Astore.
Residents in these glacial valleys have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and monitor local streams for changes in water color or the sound of grinding rocks, which often precedes a flood.
In response to the forecast, the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued directives to deputy commissioners in Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan, and Mansehra. The authority instructed officials to conduct proactive surveillance of Glof sites and organize evacuation drills for at-risk communities.
The PDMA also told district administrations to ensure that safe evacuation sites are stocked and that rescue personnel remain available. To manage potential disasters, the authority noted that “controlled breaching of vulnerable Glof sites may be coordinated with the concerned departments, to prevent sudden outburst events”.
Disaster management authorities are currently tasked with maintaining 24-hour preparedness. They have been directed to use text messages and social media to keep the public informed.
Residents in low-lying areas have been told to move to higher ground if they notice mudslides or sudden changes in water flow.
The MET department has urged all concerned departments and residents to “remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period”.
Tourists in the northern regions have also been cautioned against unnecessary movement near waterways and streams until the weather system passes.
