PMD warns of glacial floods in northern regions

• Heavy rain, thunderstorms expected in mountainous catchments
• Authorities directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday issued a glacial lake outburst floods (Glof) alert, asking disaster management authorities to ensure round-the-clock vigil and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation.

According to the weather advisory, a moderate westerly wave has entered the country’s upper regions and is currently affecting parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Intermittent rain-wind/thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are likely to occur over vulnerable mountainous catchments during the ongoing weather spell.

The Met Office said the prevailing meteorological conditions significantly enhance the risk of Glofs, debris flows and flash flooding in vulnerable areas, particularly in Swat, Chitral, Dir, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar and Astore.

The monitoring cell is observing precipitation in gauged areas, especially in the valleys of Parishing, Sost, Reshun Booni, Arkari, Matiltan, Mankeyal, Hisper-Hopper, Strangbut, Arandu and Ghulkin.

Residents in glaciated valleys and vulnerable areas have been advised to observe safety measures, including avoiding proximity to riverbanks and stream beds during rainfall, monitoring local nullahs for sudden changes in water colour (muddiness) or unusual sounds such as grinding rocks, and securing livestock and essentials on higher and safer ground.

The PMD also asked authorities to coordinate closely with community-based disaster risk management committees and urged disaster management authorities to ensure 24/7 alertness and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation.

Authorities were further advised to maintain active communication links with technical focal persons in remote valleys and disseminate the alert through SMS and social media.

Separately, livestock counters were established in cattle markets of Rawalpindi district as the PMD issued the Glof warning for KP and GB.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026