The ongoing heatwave across Pakistan has sped up glacier melting in northern areas, increasing the danger of landslides, flash floods, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), according to an alert issued by the National Disaster Management Authority.
The alert, issued by the National Emergency Operations Centre, covers the period from May 26 to May 31. Authorities warned that temperatures in many parts of the country could rise between 40°C and 48°C, with Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab likely to face the most intense heat.
Following the directions of Shehbaz Sharif, the NDMA has started reviewing emergency preparations across the country. Provincial disaster management authorities have also launched awareness campaigns, deployed rescue teams, set up cooling centres and improved medical facilities.
The NDMA said rising temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are causing glaciers to melt faster than usual.
Authorities warned that this situation could trigger landslides in areas including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Shigar, Chitral, Kalam and Upper Kohistan.
The NDMA said landslides may block roads linking Shimshal, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala and Passu. Important routes such as the Karakoram Highway, Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road and Deosai Road could also face temporary closures.
Officials also warned that rapidly melting glaciers could cause glacial lake outburst floods in vulnerable areas such as Darkot, Lasht, Reshun, Booni, Shisper, Gulkin and Kumrat.
The authority further cautioned that rivers and streams in northern regions may see unusually high water flow, increasing flood risks in Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Chitral, Dir, Swat and Kohistan.
Meanwhile, the heatwave is expected to affect several districts of Sindh, including Jacobabad, Dadu, Sukkur, Ghotki and Mirpurkhas. In Balochistan, Chagai, Washuk, Kharan, Turbat and Sibi are likely to experience extreme temperatures.
Punjab districts including Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Bhakkar, Lahore and Kasur are also expected to face severe heat conditions.
The NDMA has directed all concerned departments to stay alert and ensure emergency preparedness. Authorities advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in mountainous areas where landslides and road blockages may occur.
The disaster management authority also advised citizens to wear light-coloured and loose clothes to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Tourists and residents in northern areas have been urged to stay updated about weather conditions and follow official safety instructions. The NDMA also encouraged citizens to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for weather alerts and emergency information.
