PMD Issues Glof Alert as Heavy Rain Threatens Northern Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a glacial lake outburst flood alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan as a fresh weather system moves into the country’s northern and upper regions. The warning, issued after rainfall forecasts intensified, has placed vulnerable mountain valleys on heightened alert amid fears of flash floods, debris flows and sudden surges in streams.

According to the Met Office, a moderate westerly wave was expected to enter upper Pakistan and affect parts of KP before extending toward Gilgit-Baltistan. The system is likely to bring widespread rain, wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy downpours expected over mountainous catchment areas where glaciers, unstable slopes and narrow valleys increase the risk of sudden flooding.

The areas identified as particularly vulnerable include parts of Swat, Lower Chitral, Dir, Upper Hazara, Kohistan, Hunza, Ghizer, Nagar, Ghanche, Shigar and Astore. Officials warned that rainfall over glacial zones can quickly change local water flows, loosen debris and trigger dangerous flood bursts in communities located near riverbanks, nullahs and seasonal streams.

The PMD advised people living in or travelling through glacial valleys to stay away from stream beds and river edges during the forecast period. Residents were also urged to monitor unusual warning signs such as muddy water, sudden changes in water speed, grinding sounds from rocks or movement on nearby slopes, all of which may indicate rising danger.

Disaster management authorities have been directed to maintain round-the-clock readiness and keep communication open with technical focal persons in remote valleys. Officials have also been asked to circulate warnings through text messages, local networks and social media so that isolated communities receive timely information before conditions worsen.

Separately, the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority instructed deputy commissioners in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan and Mansehra to begin proactive monitoring of high-risk Glof sites. The authority called for early warning arrangements, rescue preparedness and evacuation planning in areas where communities may need to move quickly to safer ground.

District administrations have also been told to prepare evacuation sites, stock emergency locations and keep rescue teams available. Tourists and local residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement near waterways, especially in low-lying areas where flash floods can develop rapidly after heavy rain in the mountains.

Pakistan’s northern regions are increasingly exposed to climate-linked hazards as warming temperatures accelerate glacier melting and make mountain weather more unpredictable. Glacial lake outburst floods have previously damaged homes, roads, bridges, farmland and power infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan and KP, often cutting off communities before relief teams can reach them.

The alert carries wider significance for Pakistan because northern valleys are vital for tourism, hydropower, road connectivity and local agriculture. Any major flooding event could disrupt travel routes, damage public infrastructure and create emergency pressure on already resource-constrained district administrations.

Authorities are expected to keep monitoring the weather system through the day and issue further advisories if rainfall strengthens. The immediate priority remains public awareness, early evacuation where needed and rapid coordination between district officials, rescue teams and communities in high-risk mountain zones.