NDMA released GLOF alert for GB and KP

News Desk 

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for the glaciated areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. 

They warn that rising temperatures and an incoming weather system may speed up snow and glacier melt, causing sudden floods in endangered mountain valleys this week.   

Studies found that Pakistan is one of the countries most at risk from GLOF hazards. In 2022, heavy monsoon rains combined with rising glacier melt led to significant flooding in GB and KP, resulting in over 1,700 deaths and affecting around 33 million people nationwide.

Damages were estimated at approximately 30 billion dollars, highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change effects. In 2023 global assessment showed that about 15 million people live in potential GLOF run out zones worldwide, with more than half in India, Pakistan, Peru, and China.

In Pakistan’s Hindu Kush-Himalayan region, nearly 1 million people live within 10 kilometers of a glacial lake. In August 2023, the Meteorological Department (Met Office) warned of possible GLOFs in GB due to rising glacial lakes and identified 36 potentially hazardous lakes.

On February 29, 2024, heavy rainfall led to floods in Sindh, Balochistan, KP, and GB. About 100 people died, and infrastructure faced significant damage.A landslide at the Torkham crossing in April 2023 killed seven and disrupted an important border route.  

From March to September 2024, over 384 deaths occurred in Pakistan due to the joint Afghanistan Pakistan floods, with many injuries and deaths, among with property losses. Heavy monsoon rains from March to July 2023 caused extensive flooding across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. At least 159 people lost their lives, and 264 were injured during this time.

In June 2023, severe storms in KP, particularly in Lakki Marwat, Karak, and Bannu, claimed 27 lives, including 8 children, and injured over 140 people. 

Remote sensing has identified about 2,420 glacial lakes in northern Pakistan, with over 1,300 classified as major lakes blocked by ice, making them highly exposed. 

Pakistan’s glaciers are retreating quickly by around 40 to 60 meters per decade, due to warming rates that exceed the global average. Experts warn that GLOFs can release millions of cubic meters of water within seconds, creating surges that can destroy infrastructure and settlements downstream.  

To address these risks, NDMA has set up early warning systems, conducted evacuation drills in high risk areas and launched public awareness campaigns to inform communities about GLOF threats. Agencies like NHA, FWO, and C&W are placing emergency equipment along key routes for immediate use if needed.

NDMA also recommends that residents download its Disaster Alert App for real-time updates. Experts suggest expanding glacier monitoring networks and investing in climate resilient infrastructure to lessen long-term effects.   

NDMA has instructed federal ministries, provincial governments, PDMA KP, GBDMA, DDMAs, municipal administrations, and civic agencies to stay alert and ensure full preparedness. PDMA KP, GBDMA, and the relevant DDMAs have been told to closely monitor all vulnerable GLOF sites for timely early warning, evacuation and response. 

District authorities have also been instructed to conduct evacuation drills in high risk communities to ensure they are prepared. PDMA KP, GBDMA, and DDMAs have also been instructed to ensure operational evacuation sites with necessary supplies. 

Emergency response equipment is to be positioned at strategic locations, with close coordination maintained with NHA, FWO, and C&W for timely restoration of obstructed or damaged routes.  

Rescue 1122, civil defense, fire brigades, and ambulance services have been asked to remain ready. NDMA stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns in at-risk areas, advising people to avoid unnecessary movement near streams and fast flowing water channels.

Warnings have been issued against crossing such areas, especially by vehicle, while residents in low lying regions are urged to stay cautious and prepared for evacuation alerts.  Law enforcement and traffic police, including the National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP), have been directed to help travelers about potential hazards and coordinate traffic management and route changes as needed.

Tourists are strongly suggested to avoid tracking in glacier prone areas or visiting glaciers to prevent accidents. NDMA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting at risk communities and urged citizens to stay vigilant, follow official guidance, and obtain information from trusted sources.

Additional input from APP.