The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert on Tuesday for Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir due to the risk of glacial lake outbursts.
When is heavy rain expected in Pakistan?
The NDMA has also issued an alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the Potohar region and upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat and nearby areas may receive heavy rain from September 2 to 5.
Heavy rain is also expected in Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Peshawar.
The NDMA warned that heavy rain may cause sudden flooding in urban areas. Flooding and landslides are also possible in hilly areas.
The public has been advised to stay away from low-lying areas, streams and rainwater channels. People have also been asked to avoid unnecessary travel.
Why has the risk increased?
According to the NDMA alert, the risk has increased due to ongoing monsoon rains and rising temperatures.
These conditions are causing glaciers to melt faster and increasing the chances of glacial lakes bursting.
The areas of Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Shigar, Gilgit, Rondu, Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Ghanche, Kharmang and Neelum Valley have been marked as sensitive.
The risk of flash floods and landslides has also increased in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Buner and nearby hilly areas.
Upper Swat put on high alert
Upper Swat has also been placed under a high-level rain alert. According to the weather department, heavy rain with thunderstorms is expected from September 2 to 5.
There is also a risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF), flash floods and debris flows from September 1 to 4.
The water level in the Swat River and nearby streams may rise quickly. Landslides and road closures are also possible in hilly areas.
Alert for tourists
The district administration has asked residents and tourists to stay away from rivers and streams.
They have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather and not to camp near rivers.
Rescue teams, machinery and relevant departments have been directed to remain on high alert.
The district administration has also asked people to follow safety instructions and contact Rescue 1122 in an emergency.
The NDMA has directed relevant departments to closely monitor glaciers, lakes, rivers and streams in sensitive areas.