ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) this week warned of possible glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides and rainfall in northern regions from May 26–31, advising tourists to exercise caution while traveling in the affected areas.
Pakistan is widely recognized as one of the countries most severely affected by climate change, where heavy rainfall, flooding, and GLOFs have repeatedly caused widespread destruction.
At least 1,000 people were killed last year when intense monsoon rains, combined with excess water released from Indian dams, triggered flash floods across the country.
“In northern areas, rising temperatures and rapidly melting glaciers are increasing risks,” the NDMA said in a statement on Friday.
“Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and increased water flow in rivers and streams are expected in northern regions,” it added. “There is also a risk of road closures due to rainfall, flood-like conditions, and landslides.”
The statement said there was a risk of landslides in the mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir.
It added that roads between Shimshal Valley, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, Gulmit, Shishkat Bala, and Passu have been declared sensitive.
The NDMA said Shigar Valley Road, Skardu Road, Deosai Road, Naran Road and the Karakoram Highway may also be blocked due to landslides.
Flood-like conditions may affect Hunza, Ghizer, Diamer, Astore, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Sudhanoti, Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Kohistan.
Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is expected to experience rain with thunderstorms and possible hailstorms from May 26–31 in Chitral, Dir, Mingora, Hangu, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur and Parachinar.
Rain with thunderstorms and possible hailstorms is expected from May 26–31 in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Kotli and Bhimber.
In Punjab, rain with thunderstorms is expected from May 28–31 in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sahiwal, Okara, Faisalabad, Kasur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Multan.
In Balochistan, rain is expected from May 30–31 in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman, Khuzdar and Turbat. In Sindh, strong winds and rain with thunderstorms are likely on May 30–31 in Thatta, Badin, Mithi, Hyderabad and Karachi.
NDMA has directed authorities to stay alert in sensitive highways and mountainous regions, while advising tourists and travelers to check weather and road conditions before heading to northern areas.
The South Asian country has repeatedly urged developed nations to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund to support climate-vulnerable countries like Pakistan, which faces annual floods and other disasters despite contributing about one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
