Summary
- The NDMA has also warned of possible flash floods and landslides in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Buner and surrounding mountainous areas.
- The public has also been advised to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams and other areas that could be affected by sudden flooding.
- With monsoon rainfall continuing and glacier melt increasing due to higher temperatures, authorities are urging residents in northern Pakistan to exercise caution and remain prepared for sudden changes in weather and water levels.
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert for Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, warning of possible flooding caused by glacial lake outbursts.
According to the latest alert, the risk of glacial lakes bursting has increased due to ongoing monsoon rainfall and rising temperatures, which are accelerating glacier melt across the northern regions of Pakistan.
Several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan have been identified as particularly vulnerable, including Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Rondu, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Kharmang and parts of Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir.
Relevant authorities have been directed to continuously monitor vulnerable glaciers, glacial lakes, rivers, streams and waterways. The public has also been advised to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams and other areas that could be affected by sudden flooding.
Residents have been urged to immediately report unusual rises in water levels, sudden changes in water color caused by increased sediment, or any unusual activity near glaciers to the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued another weather alert for the Potohar region and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, forecasting thunderstorms and heavy to torrential rainfall from September 2 to September 5.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas are expected to receive heavy rainfall during this period. Several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Peshawar, may also experience significant rainfall.
The authorities have warned that heavy rain could trigger urban flooding in cities, while mountainous areas could face flash floods and landslides.
The NDMA has advised citizens to stay away from low-lying areas, streams and natural drainage channels and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
The authority has urged the public to remain informed through official weather updates, early warnings and instructions issued by district administrations.
Relevant departments have also been directed to remain on high alert and take timely precautionary measures to protect communities in vulnerable areas.
With monsoon rainfall continuing and glacier melt increasing due to higher temperatures, authorities are urging residents in northern Pakistan to exercise caution and remain prepared for sudden changes in weather and water levels.
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