The first snowfall and rain of the winter season were recorded on Tuesday across various mountainous areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
ISLAMABAD:
With temperatures rising and a widespread weather system looming, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has sounded the alarm over a heightened risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), flash floods, and landslides across vulnerable parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa from April 1 to 10.
In an alert that underscores growing climate-linked hazards in the northern belt, the NDMA warned that melting glaciers and unstable terrain could trigger dangerous events, particularly in areas close to glacier termini, as weather conditions intensify over the coming days.
According to the NDMA, there was an “increased risk” of GLOF, flash floods, mudslides and landslides in the vulnerable areas of G-B and K-P and surrounding regions, particularly near the glacier terminus, due to the “expected widespread weather spell, especially from April 1 to 10”.
The authority pointed out that “over the past few days, temperatures over the northern mountainous regions remained above normal,” a factor contributing to the elevated threat level. The NDMA advised local communities to remain vigilant and urged relevant authorities to take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and infrastructure.
Floods, landslides
Meanwhile, a widespread spell of rain and thunderstorms is set to sweep across the country this week, with authorities warning of flash floods, landslides and weather-related disruptions in multiple regions from March 31 to April 5.
The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) issued a countrywide alert, flagging heightened risks particularly in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where heavy downpours could trigger flood-like conditions and destabilise vulnerable terrain.
In its latest advisory, the NEOC of the NDMA urged citizens to remain cautious and adhere to official safety instructions to minimise potential losses. It warned that flash flooding may occur in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Khuzdar, Zhob and Lasbela districts of Balochistan, while landslides are expected in mountainous areas during the upcoming spell of heavy rains.
