PMD issues GLOF alert for northern areas amid rising temperatures, rains

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for the northern areas of the country, warning of heightened risks due to an incoming weather system.

According to the advisory issued on Saturday, a fresh westerly wave is expected to approach Pakistan’s northern regions during the coming week. The system is projected to bring partly cloudy to cloudy weather conditions, accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall and thundershowers across Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Meteorologists highlighted that daytime temperatures in the glaciated valleys are already running above normal levels. The combination of this substantial warming and expected precipitation is likely to significantly accelerate snow and ice melt in these regions.

Consequently, water levels in local river streams are expected to remain high, existing glacial lakes could rapidly expand, and new glacial lakes may form due to the high volume of meltwater.

The weather advisory outlines several critical hazards posed by the current environmental conditions, including low-lying and downstream areas adjacent to riverbeds face a high risk of sudden inundation, flash flooding is highly likely in vulnerable locations and the rapid expansion of glacial lakes threatens to destabilise natural ice or moraine dams, potentially triggering severe GLOF incidents.

Thawing permafrost, combined with excess surface water, could trigger heavy mud and debris flows down mountain slopes, the PMD said, adding that the likelihood of landslides in steep terrains remains significantly high.

In light of the alert, citizens and travellers have been advised to adhere to the following safety measures: Maintain a safe distance from riverbanks, stream beds, and local nullahs, whilst closely monitoring these water bodies for sudden changes in water levels. Refrain from camping, trekking, or staying near narrow mountain valleys, streams, and glacial lakes. Avoid steep slopes and unstable terrain where melting snow could trigger debris flows or landslides.

The PMD has urged relevant departments and administrative bodies to take immediate precautionary steps to handle any emergencies:

The disaster management authorities and other relevant departments must maintain 24/7 alertness and implement necessary measures to prevent untoward situations.