PESHAWAR: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding (GLOF) alert on Saturday for five mountainous districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to persistent higher-than-normal temperatures and an expected rain spell from Saturday to Monday next week.
The weather advisory, issued by PDMA, warned the Deputy Commissioners of Chitral Lower, Chitral Upper, Dir Upper, Swat, and Kohistan Upper.
“The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that due to persistent higher-than-normal temperatures and expected rain spells from July 6 to July 8 in the upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there is an increased likelihood of GLOF events, flash floods, landslides, and a rise in river stream flows due to melting,” the advisory stated.
Warmer conditions are expected to persist until mid-July. Authorities are urged to take all precautionary measures to prevent loss of life, livestock, and damage to infrastructure and crops.
The advisory also requested that local communities in at-risk, vulnerable areas be forewarned. Emergency and Rescue Services personnel, as well as relevant departments, should be on alert and necessary emergency equipment should be pre-positioned for rapid response in case of any eventuality. Tourists and travelers in at-risk areas are advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
Coordination with concerned departments (NHA, FWO, and C&W) is essential for the timely restoration of roads in case of blockages, obstructions, closures, or damage.
In the event of any emergency, routine updates will be shared with the PEOC, PDMA, which is active around the clock via helpline 1700.
