The NDMA flood GLOF alert covers glacial lake outburst risks, river surges, and landslides across Gilgit-Baltistan, KP, and Azad Kashmir
Pakistan’s northern regions are facing a serious multi-hazard warning. The National Disaster Management Authority has issued an alert covering rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hailstorms across several parts of the country. The warning covers June 16 to 20.
A westerly weather system will affect upper and northern regions during this period. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast across Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Furthermore, similar conditions will affect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Balochistan, and upper Sindh.
However, the most serious concern goes beyond rainfall. The NDMA flood GLOF alert warns that rising temperatures combined with heavy rain could trigger flooding in KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir between June 16 and 19. Accelerated glacier melt could also cause a sharp increase in water flows across rivers and streams in northern mountainous regions.
Glacial lake outburst floods present a particularly dangerous risk. The alert identifies Hasanabad, Shisper, Gulkin, Gulmit, Passu, Nagar, Ghizer, Skardu, and Shigar among areas facing heightened GLOF risk. These events can release massive volumes of water rapidly. Therefore, communities and infrastructure in downstream areas must remain on high alert throughout the forecast period.
Additionally, heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides could disrupt road connectivity in vulnerable mountainous areas. Relevant departments have received directions to stay on high alert. This applies particularly along sensitive highways and key routes through northern regions.
Tourists and travelers planning trips to northern Pakistan should check weather and road conditions before departure. Meanwhile, provincial and district authorities have received instructions to remain prepared for any emergency that develops during the alert window.
The combination of seasonal rainfall, glacier melt, and GLOF risk makes this one of the more complex weather alerts of the season. Still, early warnings give communities and authorities time to prepare. Taking those warnings seriously could make a significant difference in the days ahead.
