New glacial lakes may form in Gilgit-Baltistan, KP amid accelerated glacier melt: PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Sunday extended its Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that continued warm temperatures and intermittent rainfall could accelerate glacier melt and heighten the risk of flash floods and landslides until the first week of August.

According to the PMD, the combined effect of a warm thermal regime and ongoing intermittent precipitation is expected to substantially increase snow and ice melt in glaciated valleys, keeping river and stream levels high. Existing glacial lakes may rapidly expand, while new glacial lakes could also form due to the large volume of meltwater.

The department warned that vulnerable downstream communities and low-lying areas near streams and riverbeds could face sudden high flows, while flash flooding remains possible in narrow valleys. It also cautioned that rapidly expanding glacial lakes could trigger GLOF incidents by destabilising natural ice or moraine dams.

The PMD further warned that thawing permafrost, coupled with excess surface water, could trigger heavy mud and debris flows, while the likelihood of landslides has increased in steep mountainous terrain.

Residents and tourists have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, streams, local nullahs and glacial lakes, avoid camping and trekking in vulnerable mountain valleys, and closely monitor official weather advisories.

The Met Office also urged disaster management authorities and relevant departments to remain on 24/7 alert, coordinate with Community-Based Disaster Risk Management Committees (CBDRMCs), and disseminate timely warnings through all available communication channels.

The PMD advised all concerned authorities and the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incidents.