GB to Get Advanced Weather Alert System for Tourist Destinations

News Desk

Gilgit: In a bid to bolster disaster preparedness and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated the establishment of an advanced weather alert system for tourist destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Speaking at a high-level meeting on recent floods and rehabilitation efforts, the prime minister underscored the importance of early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable areas.

The prime minister called for the creation of a forecasting and monitoring center in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Ministry of Climate Change. He emphasized that the center should not only monitor weather patterns but also facilitate immediate rescue and relief operations in emergency situations.

Additionally, the PM directed the NDMA to work closely with provincial governments and relevant institutions to enhance rescue efforts and expedite relief operations.

Among the critical measures, the prime minister urged local authorities to develop a comprehensive strategy to resettle communities located near natural water passageways to reduce future risks.

He stressed that all rehabilitation measures for those affected by the recent monsoon rains must be completed promptly, with a detailed survey of damage to roads and infrastructure to be conducted immediately to restore vital communication links.

Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, the prime minister noted, “Despite Pakistan’s near-zero emissions, we suffer huge devastation every year due to global warming.”

 His remarks came amid ongoing concerns over the increasing frequency of climate change-induced disasters, which have significantly impacted the region.

The meeting also reviewed the aftermath of heavy rainfall on July 21, 2025, when cloudbursts in Thak-Babusar, Thor, Kundus, and Ishkoman led to severe damage among tourists and local residents.

Over 600 people were rescued in a coordinated operation involving NDMA, the Pakistan Army, district administration, police, GBDMA, Rescue 1122, and health workers. The operation saw the deployment of five tent villages for emergency shelter, 10 helicopters, and two C-130 aircraft to evacuate stranded individuals.

In addition to the weather alert system, the prime minister directed that reconstruction of damaged roads, bridges, and other infrastructure must incorporate climate resilience principles. The Ministry of Climate Change provided an update on the ongoing installation of an early warning system for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), a critical project that NDMA has been ordered to complete within the next two months.

Third-party validation of the system’s deployment has also been mandated to ensure operational readiness.

Furthermore, the Minister for Water Resources has been instructed to remain in Gilgit-Baltistan for consultations and planning aimed at developing a more robust water management system in the region.