PMD Issues Flood Warning for Gilgit-Baltistan and KP
News Desk
Islamabad: Rapid glacier melt combined with recent rainfall has significantly increased water flows in northern Pakistan, prompting the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) to warn of possible localized flooding and riverbank erosion in vulnerable areas.
In an advisory issued on Wednesday, the PMD said rivers, streams and nullahs across the glaciated regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are experiencing elevated water levels due to accelerated snow and glacier melt.
- Accelerated glacier and snow melt, combined with rainfall, increases flood risks in northern areas.
- District administrations and communities urged to remain alert and monitor weather updates.
The department said data from its Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) monitoring network shows that many glacier-fed and snow-fed watercourses are currently flowing at peak levels, with ongoing weather conditions likely to intensify the situation.
According to the PMD, continued rainfall could push several valleys and downstream areas from high-flow conditions into medium to high flood levels, increasing the risk of localized flooding, riverbank erosion and land degradation.
The weather department has urged district administrations, emergency response agencies and residents living near rivers and streams to remain alert, avoid unnecessary movement around fast-flowing watercourses, monitor official weather advisories and stay prepared for any emergency response.
