The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that rising temperatures could trigger flash floods, landslides, and dangerous glacial lake overflows through the first week of July. According to the PMD, persistent high temperatures will accelerate the melting of snow and glaciers across the country’s northern mountainous regions.

According to the PMD, persistent high temperatures will accelerate the melting of snow and glaciers across the country’s northern mountainous regions.

As a result, river flows are expected to remain high, existing glacial lakes may rapidly expand, and new lakes could form due to the increased volume of meltwater.

The department warned that the rapid growth of glacial lakes could destabilize natural ice and moraine dams, increasing the likelihood of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods.

Low-lying communities downstream and areas along riverbanks face an elevated risk of sudden flooding.

The PMD also cautioned that excessive melting could trigger mudflows, debris flows, and landslides in steep mountain terrain. Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid riverbanks, streams, glacial lakes, narrow valleys, and unstable slopes until conditions improve.

Earlier this month, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) identified 130 potentially dangerous glacial lakes that pose risks to downstream settlements.

Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has directed hospitals to establish heatwave emergency units to treat patients affected by extreme temperatures.

Authorities have urged the public to closely follow official weather advisories and take precautionary measures as the risk of flooding and related hazards remains high.

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