The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has raised a high-alert warning for mountainous areas, highlighting the risk of rapid glacier melting that could lead to severe flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the NDMA indicated that accelerated glacial melt is expected to cause significant increases in river flows across Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir until at least July 3.
In a significant development, the PDMA emphasized that the mounting pressure on the region’s extensive glacial reserves has escalated the danger of GLOFs. These events can release massive volumes of water suddenly into downstream valleys, posing serious threats to nearby communities and infrastructure.
The disaster management authority has called on residents and local administrations in high-risk zones to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution. The areas identified as particularly vulnerable include Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Kharmang, Astore, Diamer, Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Swat, and surrounding mountainous districts.
Meanwhile, the NEOC has advised both tourists and local populations to avoid unnecessary travel near rivers, streams, and glacial lakes during this period. Travelers are urged to stay clear of embankments and waterways fed by glaciers until weather conditions improve and water levels subside.
