Early heat triggers glacial flooding in Chitral

CHITRAL: Unusually high temperatures have gripped Chitral earlier than expected this year, leading to premature flooding in the rivers.What typically begins in July has already taken hold in early June, alarming residents and officials alike.

The flash floods triggered by glacial outbursts and caused destruction in Brep village of Upper Chitral and Aarkari valley in Lower Chitral. While no casualties were reported, the damage to agriculture and livelihoods has been extensive. Standing crops, fertile lands, and fruit-bearing trees, including apples, apricots, walnuts, cherries, and other produce, were swept away, inflicting financial losses estimated in the millions of rupees. Also, the gushing Yarkhun river has washed away fruit orchards and trees in Junalikotch and destruction was going on.

Experts have expressed concern that if the current heatwave persists, further glacier bursts could occur in other vulnerable areas such as Sonoghur, Booni, Terich, Torkhow and other villages of Yarkhun valley. Such events could lead to catastrophic flooding not only in these valleys but also downstream in the Chitral River, where controlling the floodwaters would become increasingly difficult.

Environmentalists and local leaders are urging the government and relevant climate bodies to take immediate action. They stress the need for preventive measures to protect local populations and reduce the risk of future disasters.