PESHAWAR – A critical GLOF alert has been issued for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), warning of heavy rainfall this week that could trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and flash flooding in the province’s mountainous areas. The GLOF alert signals an urgent need for action to protect communities, livestock, and infrastructure in vulnerable regions, as the risk of sudden and destructive floods looms large.
The PMD has forecasted scattered thunderstorms and heavy downpours across KP, raising concerns about GLOF incidents in glaciated areas. These outbursts, caused by the rapid release of water from melting glacial lakes, could lead to devastating floods, threatening lives, crops, and infrastructure in mountainous districts. In response to the GLOF alert, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has instructed local authorities to closely monitor high-risk sites and activate early warning systems to ensure timely evacuations.
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To address the dangers highlighted in the GLOF alert, the PDMA has directed departments to prepare emergency evacuation sites and stock them with essential supplies. Rescue teams from the Communication and Works (C&W) department are on standby, with emergency equipment ready for rapid deployment. Communities in low-lying and high-risk areas are being urged to develop evacuation plans and stay away from rivers and streams, where fast-moving water poses significant risks.
The PDMA is also launching awareness campaigns to educate residents about the hazards of GLOF incidents and the importance of heeding early warnings. “Our priority is to ensure communities are informed and prepared,” the PDMA stated, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among the National Highway Authority (NHA), Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), and district administrations. The provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) is active 24/7, and residents can reach out for assistance via the helpline 1700.
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The GLOF alert includes a stern advisory for tourists to avoid traveling to KP’s glaciated regions during this high-risk period. Popular destinations in the province’s mountainous areas could become dangerous due to potential flash floods and landslides. Authorities have also indicated that, if conditions worsen, they may undertake controlled breaching of vulnerable glacial lakes to prevent catastrophic outbursts, a measure aimed at minimizing damage.
