Glacial Lake Outburst Floods/flash flood alert has been issued for vulnerable areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan amid heavy rain forecasts.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a moderate westerly weather system has entered the upper parts of Pakistan and is currently affecting several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The advisory stated that intermittent rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy downpours, are expected in vulnerable mountainous catchment areas during the ongoing weather spell.
The prevailing weather conditions have heightened the risk of GLOF, debris flows, and flash flooding in vulnerable regions, particularly in Swat, Chitral, Dir, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar, and Astore.
The PMD’s GLOF Monitoring Cell is closely monitoring precipitation levels in gauged areas, especially in the valleys of Parishing, Sosat, Reshun Booni, Arkari, Matiltan, Mankeyal, Hisper-Hooper, Strangbut, Arandu, and Ghulkin.
Residents living in glaciated valleys and other vulnerable areas have been advised to avoid riverbanks and stream beds during rainfall and remain alert for sudden changes in water colour or unusual sounds that may indicate debris flow.
Authorities have also urged people to move livestock and essential belongings to safer elevated locations and maintain coordination with Community-Based Disaster Risk Management Committees.
Disaster management authorities have been directed to remain on high alert around the clock and take all necessary precautions to prevent any untoward incidents. Officials have also been instructed to maintain communication with technical focal persons in remote valleys and widely disseminate the alert through SMS and social media platforms.
All concerned departments and residents have been advised to stay vigilant and adopt precautionary measures throughout the ongoing weather conditions.
Weather Alert: Heavy rain, windstorms likely in Punjab until May 23
