GB, KP face flood threat as heatwave sparks glacier melt: PMD

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday issued an urgent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that a persistent rise in temperatures combined with an upcoming weather system may result in dangerous flash floods in vulnerable northern valleys over the coming days.

According to the official GLOF Alert issued from the PMD’s Research and Development Division in Islamabad, the combination of ongoing high temperatures and an approaching weather system is likely to accelerate snow and glacier melt in glaciated regions.

This increased melt water could result in the sudden bursting of glacial lakes, causing devastating GLOF events and flash floods in adjacent valleys and downstream communities.

The PMD has particularly cautioned residents, local administrations, and relevant authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to stay on high alert, as the situation may escalate during the current and upcoming week.

In view of the threat, the PMD has advised all concerned departments and emergency response teams to remain vigilant and to take preventive measures to mitigate the risk of any untoward incidents.

According to the latest advisory, heavy downpours are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar on 10th Muharram.

The Met Office has also issued a warning for possible urban flooding in low-lying areas of Punjab cities due to the intensity of the expected rainfall.

In contrast, most parts of Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain hot and humid, read the advisory.

However, light rain or drizzle may occur in Karachi and Hyderabad, particularly during morning and night.