National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik has highlighted alarming trends in glacier melt and disaster occurrences in Pakistan. Addressing a seminar organized by the National Commission on the Status of Women, he revealed that more than 23% of the country’s glaciers are melting, with at least 3% experiencing sudden bursts.
Lt Gen Malik emphasized that many lessons had been learnt from the devastating floods of 2022, which have prompted the establishment of a National Think Tank and a National Emergency Response Center. He noted that in 2024, Pakistan has already witnessed forest fires and accelerated glacier melting. These environmental changes have significantly increased the frequency of natural disasters by 3-4%. “More than 3% of the glaciers are bursting and more than 23% of the country’s glaciers are melting,” he stressed.
The chairman expressed concerns about the severe impact on coastal communities, who are currently facing substantial hardships. The country is also experiencing heavy rainfall coupled with a significant water shortage, exacerbating the risk of a food disaster. Lt. Gen. Malik’s remarks underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and bolster disaster preparedness in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Met Department has forecasted that the weather is likely to remain hot and dry in most parts of the country today. However, there is a chance of rain at a few places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar, Punjab, and Sindh.
In Islamabad, temperatures are expected to soar to 41 degrees Celsius, as the weather will be hot and dry during in the capital and surrounding areas. Lahore will see a high of 42 degrees Celsius, while Karachi, known for its hot and humid weather, will experience temperatures ranging from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius throughout the day.
Currently, the temperature in Karachi is recorded at 31 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing at a speed of 7km per hour, expected to increase to 18km per hour later in the day. The city also faces a high humidity ratio of 70%. Despite the heat, a sea breeze is likely to resume today, bringing some relief to Karachi residents.
