Glacial lakes outburst risk in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PDMA Issues Alert

Peshawar: The risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) has increased in the upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to intermittent heavy rainfall. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to concerned districts and departments.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), residents of Upper and Lower Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Upper Kohistan have been warned to remain vigilant about potential glacial outbursts. The PDMA has directed district administrations to monitor vulnerable areas, ensure timely warnings, and conduct evacuation drills.

Strict instructions have also been issued to citizens, especially tourists, to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers and streams and to refrain from driving vehicles into fast-flowing water.

Evacuation points have been prepared in potentially affected areas. Furthermore, a memo has been sent to the National Highway Authority (NHA), Frontier Works Organization (FWO), and Communications and Works (C&W) Department, instructing them to remain on high alert with emergency equipment and rescue services, and to take precautionary measures.