ISLAMABAD, May 11 — The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a high-level alert on Monday for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. A moderate westerly wave entering the upper regions is expected to trigger widespread rain and wind-thunderstorms, significantly increasing the risk of debris flow and flash flooding in mountainous catchments. Disaster management authorities have been placed on 24-hour standby, with specific instructions to monitor vulnerable glacial lakes and coordinate potential evacuations in at-risk valleys.
Quick Facts
- GLOF alerts have been issued for districts including Swat, Chitral, Hunza, Nagar, and Astore.
- A moderate westerly wave is expected to bring heavy rainfall to mountainous catchments.
- The KP PDMA has directed deputy commissioners to conduct immediate evacuation drills.
- Residents are advised to watch for “muddiness” in water or “grinding sounds” from local streams.
- District administrations are authorized to perform “controlled breaching” of high-risk glacial sites.
- Tourists and locals have been strictly advised to avoid proximity to riverbanks and waterways.
GLOF Alert for Northern Pakistan as Rain-Wind/Thunderstorm Increases Flood Risk in Glaciated Valleys. #GLOFAlert #PMD #PakistanWeather #FlashFlood #GlacialFlood #KPWeather #GilgitBaltistan #ClimateAlert #RainAlert #FloodRisk #DisasterManagement pic.twitter.com/eWgs7JSPtY
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 11, 2026
The Met department warned that the current weather pattern significantly elevates the risk of sudden outbursts in areas like Shishper, Ghulkin, and Hoper. Residents in these glacial valleys have been urged to secure livestock on higher ground and remain vigilant for sudden changes in water levels. Disaster management units are utilizing text messages and social media to ensure that remote communities receive timely warnings before the peak of the rainfall.
The KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has specifically coordinated with officials in Upper and Lower Chitral, Kohistan, and Mansehra to ensure that safe evacuation sites are fully stocked and accessible. Beyond monitoring, authorities are tasked with the rapid restoration of roads in the event of landslides or blockages. Both residents and tourists are encouraged to move to safer locations at the first sign of mudslides or unusual rockfall to prevent any untoward incidents during the forecast period.
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