The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of an increased risk of glacier melting due to hot weather and intermittent rainfall, raising concerns over a possible rise in the volume and water levels of glacial lakes.
An alert has been issued to the administrations of Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Upper and Lower Kohistan, and Mansehra.
The PDMA has directed authorities to closely monitor Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)-prone areas and ensure timely warnings. It has also instructed officials to inform residents of low-lying areas about the potential threat of GLOF.
According to the PDMA, hot weather and intermittent rainfall expected from August 31 to September 4 could increase the risk of glacier melting, potentially causing a rise in the volume and water levels of glacial lakes.
Authorities have also been directed to conduct evacuation drills in vulnerable areas and keep safe locations prepared to deal with any emergency.
Earlier, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said most districts of Punjab are likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds at scattered places. Heavy rainfall is also expected in some areas.
Rain is forecast in Murree, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha and Gujrat. Sialkot, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara and adjoining areas may also receive rainfall.
Most parts of Punjab are expected to experience hot and humid weather, with daytime temperatures likely to rise.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thunderstorms, gusty winds and rain are expected at several locations, with heavy rainfall possible in some areas.
Rain is forecast in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner and Mansehra. Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Kurram, Waziristan and other areas may also receive rain during the period.
Several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also likely to experience thunderstorms, gusty winds and rain, with isolated heavy falls. Rain is expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Bagh, Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Daytime temperatures are also expected to rise in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, with hot and humid weather forecast.
Most parts of Sindh are expected to remain hot and humid, with daytime temperatures likely to increase. The NDMA has alerted all relevant authorities to the anticipated weather conditions and advised them to remain prepared. Travellers and tourists have been advised to check weather conditions before travelling and use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for guidance. The authority also advised people to dial 911 for assistance in case of a potential flood emergency.
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