PMD Issues GLOF and Flash Flood Alert for GB and KP

First Published 3 hours ago

🔴 Live Update 23 minutes ago3 Updates by 2 sources

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an alert for glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs) and flash flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing soaring temperatures expected to continue until the first week of July.

In an alert issued late on Friday, the Met Office warned that the significant warming will accelerate snow and ice melt, causing high water levels in rivers and streams. This could lead to the rapid expansion of existing glacial lakes and the formation of new ones.

• A high risk of sudden inundation and flash floods in vulnerable low-lying areas.
• The potential for natural ice or moraine dams of glacial lakes to destabilise, triggering Glof events.
• An increased likelihood of heavy mudflows, debris flows, and landslides on steep terrain.

Residents and visitors in the regions have been advised to stay away from riverbanks and stream beds and to avoid trekking or camping in these areas. The advisory also cautioned against staying near steep or unstable slopes.

The alert follows a report from the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) earlier this month, which identified 130 potentially dangerous glacial lakes in the country.

Meanwhile, initial reports indicate that flash floods may have caused destruction in parts of Gilgit. Official confirmation on the extent of any damage is awaited.

Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.

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