Glacial Flood Threat Rises as NDMA Issues Alert
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan’s northern mountainous regions face an elevated risk of glacial lake outbursts, flash floods, debris flows and landslides over the coming days as rising temperatures, melting glaciers and monsoon rains combine to increase hazards, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned.
The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has issued alerts covering parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from August 17 to 23, urging authorities and residents in vulnerable areas to remain on high alert.
Several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche and Kharmang, have been identified as vulnerable to sudden flooding and debris flows. Neelum Valley and adjoining areas of Azad Kashmir have also been placed under caution.
The warning comes as continued monsoon rainfall and accelerating glacier and snow melt could trigger sudden increases in water levels in glacier-fed streams and rivers. Authorities have also identified numerous villages, valleys and mountain corridors as particularly sensitive.
A separate landslide warning has been issued for Gilgit-Baltistan from August 22 to 24. Areas in Hunza and Nagar, along with parts of Astore, Diamer and Skardu, face the possibility of landslides and rockfalls.
Several important mountain routes have also been affected by rockfalls and landslides, with disruptions reported along vulnerable roads and sections of the Karakoram Highway. Such incidents could cut off communications and access between communities.
Urban flooding threat expands to Punjab
The danger is not confined to the mountainous north. NDMA has warned that continued monsoon activity between August 17 and 21 could cause urban flooding in several Punjab districts.
Narowal, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Kasur, Faisalabad, Chiniot and Attock are among the areas where urban flooding is possible.
Thunderstorms and occasional heavy rainfall are also expected across upper Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.
The rainfall could increase water levels in rivers and trigger flash floods in hilly terrain and rain-fed streams. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, several districts, including Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi and others, have been identified as vulnerable.
Authorities have also warned of sudden rises in tributaries linked to the Kabul River and flooding risks in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Hattian, Kotli, Mirpur and Bhimber.
River flows expected to rise
NDMA has also forecast increased water flows in major rivers as the monsoon system continues.
Medium flows are expected at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu along the Indus, while the upper Mangla area of the Jhelum and Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad on the Chenab are also being monitored.
The Ravi is expected to experience medium flows at Baloki and Suddhanai, while the Kabul River could see low to medium flows.
The authority has directed relevant departments to keep emergency response teams and rescue equipment ready, identify evacuation routes and designate safe locations for vulnerable communities.
Public urged to limit travel
NDMA has advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to areas facing flood, landslide or rockfall risks and to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling.
The public has specifically been warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, streams or rivers, whether on foot or in vehicles, as even apparently shallow fast-moving water can sweep people and vehicles away.
Tourists have also been urged to stay away from rain-fed streams and other watercourses that can experience sudden surges during monsoon rainfall.
Travellers in vulnerable areas have been advised to carry drinking water, dry food, a flashlight, first-aid supplies and a charged power bank, while strictly avoiding roads closed by local authorities.
The public can also monitor official warnings through the ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ application as authorities continue monitoring the evolving monsoon and flood situation.
