Pakistan issues Glof alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid soaring temperatures

Pakistan's Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of potential glacial lake outburst floods (Glofs) in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Soaring temperatures, expected to persist until early July, are significantly accelerating snow and ice melt in the region's glaciated valleys.

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This significant warming will substantially accelerate snow and ice melt in the glaciated valleys of these regions.

The Met Office alert predicts that rising water levels in river streams could cause existing glacial lakes to expand rapidly and new ones to form. This poses a high risk of sudden inundation and flash flooding for vulnerable downstream locations and low-lying areas near riverbeds.

Furthermore, the rapid expansion of glacial lakes could destabilize natural dams, potentially triggering Glof incidents. The weather conditions also increase the likelihood of heavy mud and debris flows, as well as landslides in steep terrains.

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vulnerable downstream locations and low-lying areas adjacent to riverbeds may face a high risk of sudden inundation with chances of flash flooding in vulnerable locations.

The PMD advises residents and visitors to avoid riverbanks, stream beds, and narrow mountain valleys. They also recommend staying clear of steep slopes and unstable terrain where melting snow could cause landslides or debris flows. Earlier this month, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission identified 130 potentially dangerous glacial lakes.

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the rapid expansion of glacial lakes could destabilise their natural ice or moraine dams, potentially triggering Glof incidents.