The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued an alert over the possible risk of glacial lake outbursts, flash floods and landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir due to monsoon rains and rising temperatures.
According to the NDMA, rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt rapidly, increasing the risk of glacial lake outbursts. Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Rondu, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Kharmang and Neelum Valley have been identified as vulnerable areas.
The authority has also warned of possible flash floods and landslides in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Buner and adjoining mountainous areas.
The NDMA has directed relevant departments to continuously monitor vulnerable glaciers, lakes, rivers, streams and water channels.
The NEOC has also issued an alert for heavy and torrential rain accompanied by thunderstorms in Potohar and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Heavy rainfall is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas from September 2 to 5.
Heavy rain has also been forecast for Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Peshawar.
Heavy rainfall may trigger urban flash floods, while flooding and landslides are possible in mountainous areas.
The NDMA has advised citizens to stay away from low-lying areas, streams, rainwater channels and riverbanks and avoid unnecessary travel. People have also been advised not to cross floodwater, fast-flowing water, submerged roads or bridges either on foot or by vehicle.
The authority has directed local administrations to pre-position essential resources in vulnerable areas, keep evacuation arrangements in place and ensure timely preventive measures.
The public has also been advised to remain informed about weather conditions, early warnings and instructions issued by district administrations.
According to the NDMA, any sudden rise in water levels in rivers and streams originating from glaciers, unusual changes in water colour or any unusual activity near glaciers should be immediately reported to the relevant authorities.
The authority has advised citizens and tourists to check the latest weather and road conditions before travelling, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain or danger warnings, and refrain from using roads closed by the administration.
The NDMA has urged the public to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for the latest weather information and alerts and said people can contact 911 for assistance during a possible flood situation.
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