https://arab.news/5zcvs
- Parts of Pakistan have experienced sweltering heat, with daytime temperatures soaring above 35° Celcius in recent weeks
- The rise in temperatures may increase snow melt, while rains in certain districts can result in overflow of glacial lakes
ISLAMABAD: There is a risk of glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) events in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to increasing summer temperatures and rains between till May 31, the provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) said on Wednesday.
Pakistan, one of the countries most affected by climate change, has seen heavy rainfall, flash floods, heatwaves, droughts and GLOF events cause widespread destruction in recent years.
Parts of Pakistan have experienced sweltering heat, with daytime temperatures soaring past 35 degrees Celcius in recent weeks.
“Increase in temperatures in most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa till May 31 may increase the rate of melting of snow and glaciers, and raise fears of GLOF incidents,” the PDMA said.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to receive rain with thunderstorms and possible hailstorms from May 26 till May 31 in Chitral, Dir, Mingora, Hangu, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur and Parachinar, according to the Met Office.
“The risk of flash floods has increased due to sudden increase in temperature and due to the outburst of glacial lakes due to rains,” the PDMA said, adding that it has directed district administrations to ensure emergency measures and preparation.
The authority said floods may sweep away vehicles and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel.
“The public is advised to move livestock and valuables to safe places and follow the warnings of the relevant institutions,” it said.
“All relevant institutions, relief teams and district administration are advised to remain in touch at all times and be ready for immediate response.”
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.
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.