ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert warning that an approaching weather system could trigger Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and flash flooding in northern parts of the country.
According to the advisory, a moderate westerly wave is set to enter the upper regions, bringing widespread rain and windstorms to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before extending to Gilgit-Baltistan. The system is expected to produce isolated heavy downpours in mountainous catchment areas, heightening the risk of debris flows and sudden flooding.
The Met Office cautioned that the prevailing conditions may significantly raise the likelihood of glacial lake outbursts in vulnerable districts, including Swat, Lower Chitral, Dir, Upper Hazara and Kohistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as Hoper, Ghulkin, Shishper, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Ghanche, Shigar and Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Residents of glaciated valleys have been urged to remain alert during rainfall, avoid riverbanks and stream beds, and watch for warning signs such as sudden changes in water colour or unusual sounds from nearby nullahs that could signal debris movement. Authorities have also advised communities to shift livestock and valuables to safer, elevated locations.
Disaster management agencies have been directed to stay on high alert, maintain continuous coordination with technical teams in remote valleys and ensure timely dissemination of weather updates through SMS and social media platforms. Officials have called on all relevant departments and residents in at-risk areas to take precautionary steps to minimise potential damage during the forecast period.
