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Flood Alert Issued for Pakistan's Mountainous Regions
20 May
Summary
- Glacial lake outburst flood alert issued for Pakistan.
- Moderate westerly wave affecting upper regions, causing rain.
- Residents advised to avoid riverbanks and secure belongings.
A glacial lake outburst flood (Glof) alert has been issued for Pakistan by the Meteorological Department, urging authorities to maintain constant vigilance. A moderate westerly wave is currently influencing the upper regions of the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, bringing intermittent rain, wind, and thunderstorms.
The prevailing weather conditions significantly elevate the risk of Glofs, debris flows, and flash flooding in vulnerable areas such as Swat, Chitral, Dir, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar, and Astore. The monitoring cell is actively observing precipitation in gauged areas across several valleys.
Residents in glaciated and vulnerable areas have been advised to take crucial safety precautions. These include staying away from riverbanks and stream beds during rainfall and monitoring local water bodies for changes in colour or unusual sounds. Securing livestock and essential items on higher ground is also recommended.
Disaster management authorities are coordinating closely with community-based committees and are advised to ensure 24/7 alertness. Maintaining active communication links with technical focal persons in remote valleys and disseminating alerts via SMS and social media are critical steps. Separate livestock counters have been established in Rawalpindi cattle markets as the warning impacts KP and GB.
