Staff Reporter
Islamabad
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather Alert regarding Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) events in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) till August 17. According to PMD, there will be high temperatures till Monday (August 17) in Gilgit-Baltistan followed by westerly wave on the evening of same day.
As a result, increase in the rate of melting of snow/ice is expected on Saturday (August 15) and Sunday August 16 followed by the rain event on August 17, which could trigger GLOF events in the vulnerable areas of Gilgit-Baltistan especially in Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Ghanche, Bagrot and Yasin.
In view of the above likely situation, all concerned organizations including Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (DMA) are advised to remain Alert and take all necessary precautionary measures well in time to avoid any loss of precious human lives and damages to private and public property.
National Disaster Management (NDMA) on Saturday asked Gilgit-Baltistan authorities to take precautionary measures to prevent the likely Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) damages. In an advisory issued here, the NDMA said the weather would remain hot and dry in Gilgit-Baltistan from Saturday to Monday (Aug 15 to 17) – triggering melting of glaciers.
“The ambient temperatures were still higher in the valley increasing, therefore glacier melt is increasing,” said the advisory. Likewise rains were most likely to lash the valley on Monday evening which could cause GLOF in some localities including Bagrot, Yasin, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Ghache and Gilgit. NDMA asked the concerned authorities to remain vigilant and ensure all precautionary measures to prevent the losses.
Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan has expressed sorrow over the losses due to glacial outburst and floods in Yarkhoon area of Upper Chitral. Expressing grief, he directed district administration and rescue workers to reach at the spot and start relief activities. He also directed concerned authorities to compile a report of losses and provide essential items to affected population.
