Pakistan Weather Update: PMD Warns of Glacial Floods in Northern Regions | Dawn News English

Added: 2026-05-24

[00:00:00]The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a glacial lake outburst flood or GLOF alert for northern regions of the country directing disaster management authorities to remain on the round-the-clock vigil and take precautionary measures. According to the PMD, a moderate westerly wave has entered the upper parts of Pakistan and is affecting areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. The Met Office said intermittent rain, wind, and thunderstorms along with isolated heavy falls are expected in vulnerable mountainous catchment during the ongoing weather spell. It warned that the prevailing weather conditions significantly increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, debris flows, and flash flooding in vulnerable areas, particularly in Swat, Chitral, Dir, Ghizar, Hunza, Nagar, Diamer, Ghanche, Shigar, and Astore. The PMD said its monitoring cell is observing precipitation in gauges areas, especially in the valleys of Barishing, Soost, Reshun, Booni, Arkari, Morkhun, Mankial, Hispar, Hopper, Shimshal, Tarando, and Horkis. Residents in glacier-laced valleys and vulnerable areas have been advised to avoid river banks and stream beds during rainfall.

[00:01:08]Monitor local nullahs for sudden changes in water color or unusual sounds and move livestock and essential belongings to safer ground. The PMD also directed authorities to coordinate closely with community-based disaster risk management communities, maintain communication links with technical focal persons in remote valleys, and disseminate alerts through SMS and social media.

[00:01:29]Separately, livestock counters were established in cattle markets of Rawalpindi district following the GLOF warning of for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.