The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a cautionary advisory urging residents and travelers in northern Pakistan to remain vigilant as a fresh weather system brings rain and snowfall to the region through March 16. This development raises serious concerns about the potential for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and disruptions to travel and daily life in the mountainous areas.
In a detailed statement shared with various media outlets, an NDMA spokesperson emphasized that local governments and relevant departments have been directed to maintain heightened preparedness and continuous monitoring of the evolving situation. The combination of precipitation and rising temperatures is expected to exacerbate the risk of sudden flooding caused by accelerated glacier melt, particularly in vulnerable districts.
The upcoming weather pattern is forecasted to affect key northern territories, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and the upper reaches of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Specific areas in Gilgit-Baltistan such as Gilgit, Astore, Diamer, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, and Shigar are predicted to experience varying degrees of rain and snowfall. Similarly, parts of Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and the Neelum Valley, are expected to face similar weather conditions.
Meanwhile, several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—namely Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, and Battagram—are likely to witness rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. The snowfall at higher elevations is anticipated to create hazardous road conditions, making travel risky due to slippery surfaces and the increased possibility of landslides. Persistent precipitation is also likely to elevate the chances of avalanches in these mountainous zones, posing additional threats to residents and travelers alike.
The NDMA spokesperson further highlighted that the adverse weather could lead to temporary power outages in some localities, disrupting daily life and emergency response efforts. The combination of melting glaciers and rainfall is particularly worrisome for districts such as Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Gilgit, Astore, and Skardu, where glacial lake outburst floods could occur suddenly, causing flash floods downstream.
Moreover, landslides triggered by the ongoing rain and snowfall may impact critical mountain routes, including the vital Karakoram Highway, which serves as a lifeline for trade and travel in the region. Areas like Diamer, Darel, Tangir, Astore, and Hunza are especially prone to such incidents. Any blockage on these routes could severely disrupt transportation and logistics, compounding the challenges faced by local communities and authorities.
Given these risks, the NDMA has urged all travelers to exercise extreme caution while navigating these regions and advised local administrations to remain on high alert. Continuous weather updates and timely communication will be crucial in mitigating the impact of these natural hazards as the situation develops over the coming days.
