NDMA Warns Northern Pakistan of Flood and Glacier Melt Risk
The National Disaster Management Authority has issued a fresh warning for northern Pakistan, saying persistent heat and expected rainfall could sharply increase the risk of glacier melt, flash floods, landslides and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods from June 27 to July 3. The advisory places vulnerable areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on heightened alert.
According to the NDMA, the warning was issued through the National Emergencies Operation Centre to support early preparedness by local administrations, disaster management agencies and communities living near glacier-fed rivers and streams. The alert is also aimed at tourists and travellers moving through mountainous routes during the high-risk weather window.
Officials said unusually warm conditions, combined with forecast rainfall, may speed up glacier melting and cause sudden rises in water levels. Such changes can be especially dangerous in narrow valleys where fast-moving water, debris and mudslides can reach settlements, roads and bridges with little time for evacuation.
The NDMA identified several districts and mountain zones as particularly exposed, including Hunza, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, Kharmang, Astore, Diamer, Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Swat and nearby areas. These regions are home to glacier systems, steep slopes and river channels where weather-triggered instability can quickly create emergency conditions.
In its advisory, the authority warned that possible floods and landslides could affect highways, bridges, irrigation channels, low-lying settlements and other infrastructure. Mountain roads may also face temporary closures if rockfall, mudflow or water surges make travel unsafe, especially in remote areas where rescue access is already limited.
Residents and visitors have been urged to avoid unnecessary movement near glacial lakes, streams and fast-flowing rivers. Authorities also advised people to stay updated through official weather alerts and immediately report signs such as sudden water rise, unusual sounds from glaciers or visible changes in river colour.
The NDMA directed provincial disaster management authorities and relevant departments to keep monitoring glacial lakes, rivers and weather patterns without interruption. Emergency machinery, communication teams and response resources have been ordered to remain ready in case district administrations need to move people, clear roads or protect critical sites.
The warning is significant because Pakistan’s northern belt has become increasingly vulnerable to climate-linked disasters. Warmer temperatures can weaken natural barriers around glacial lakes, while intense rainfall can add pressure to fragile terrain and trigger floods that threaten homes, crops, schools, roads and tourism-dependent livelihoods.
For Pakistan, the alert highlights the growing cost of climate risk on mountain communities and public infrastructure. Gilgit-Baltistan, KP and AJK are central to tourism, hydropower, water supply and ecological stability, meaning any major flood or landslide could have wider social and economic consequences beyond the affected valleys.
The NEOC said it will continue tracking the situation around the clock and share updated information with relevant departments. The coming days will be critical for early warnings, community awareness and rapid coordination, as authorities work to prevent loss of life and reduce damage if glacier-fed flooding develops.