KP PDMA issues GLOF alert amid rising glacial melt risk

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued an alert on Friday, warning of a potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in the upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting from the night of July 4.

According to the alert notification, the risk of glacial lake outburst events has escalated in the glacial areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the continuous temperature rise, which may lead to the melting of glaciers and subsequent flash floods. Residents of Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Kohistan have been advised to remain vigilant regarding possible glacial outbursts.

The district administration has been instructed to monitor sensitive areas closely, ensure timely warnings, and conduct evacuation drills as needed. People are advised to avoid unnecessary movements near rivers and canals and to refrain from taking vehicles into fast-flowing water.

Evacuation sites have been prepared in potentially affected areas, and emergency equipment and rescue services have been placed on high alert. Tourists are also urged to remain cautious and take precautionary measures in case of emergencies.

Furthermore, instructions have been issued to the National Highways Authority (NHA), Frontier Works Organization (FWO), and the Communication & Works (C&W) department to stay alert and implement preventive measures for the timely restoration of roads. PDMA has directed district administrations to take emergency measures should any danger arise.

An awareness campaign has been launched to inform the general public about how to prevent potential losses. The Emergency Operations Center of PDMA is fully operational, and the public can contact 1700 for information or to report any untoward incidents.
PDMA earlier issued an advisory about the possible rainfall and floods asking people to be alerted about the natural disaster which are likely to hit the northern areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.