A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert has been issued for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
PMD has said that “partly cloudy to cloudy weather accompanied by moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected to affect the glaciated valleys of GB and KP.”
“The combination of substantial warming and precipitation is likely to substantially accelerate snow and ice melt in the glaciated valleys of these regions,” it added.
It said that water levels in rivers were likely to remain high, existing glacial lakes may expand, and new glacial lakes may form due to the large volume of melted water.
Citizens have been urged to stay away from riverbanks, stream beds and local nullahs, and to closely monitor nearby water bodies for any sudden or gradual rise in water levels.
The advisory also urged people to avoid camping, trekking or staying near rivers, streams, glacial lakes and narrow mountain valleys during the forecast period. Residents and tourists have also been advised to steer clear of unstable slopes, where melting snow could trigger landslides or debris flows.
It is pertinent to mention that the monsoon season, which typically lasts from July to September, is considered a high-risk period for travelling to Pakistan’s northern areas. Heavy rainfall can trigger flash floods, landslides, and other weather-related hazards, and travellers are often advised to monitor weather conditions and official advisories before planning a visit.
Earlier this month, the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) issued an advisory regarding potential Glof risks from March to September 2026.
GLOFs are highly destructive and can travel for miles, destroying villages, bridges, and agricultural lands in steep mountain valleys
