ISLAMABAD: A GLOF alert has been issued for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a fresh westerly wave approaches northern Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said.
PMD said cloudy weather, moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms could affect glaciated valleys during the coming week.
The department said daytime temperatures were already above normal in glaciated valleys. It warned that warming and rain could accelerate snow and ice melt.
PMD advisory said river levels were likely to remain high. It also warned that existing glacial lakes could expand and new ones could form due to increased meltwater.
The advisory said downstream settlements and low-lying riverbank areas could face sudden flooding. It also warned of flash floods, landslides, mudflows and debris flows in vulnerable mountain locations.
PMD advised residents and tourists to avoid riverbanks, stream beds, nullahs, glacial lakes and narrow mountain valleys during the forecast period. It also urged people to stay away from unstable slopes.
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The department directed disaster management authorities and relevant departments to maintain round-the-clock alertness and take precautionary measures.
Pakistan has more than 13,000 glaciers, one of the largest glacier reserves outside the polar regions, according to reports citing climate and disaster officials.
The National Emergencies Operation Centre had earlier warned of possible GLOF risks from March to September 2026 because of rising temperatures, changing weather patterns and possible early heatwaves in northern Pakistan.
